Summer is a glorious season when kids are out of school and families get to spend lots of extra time together. As many parents know too well, entertaining little ones can get expensive. We’ve got you covered with this list of 50 exciting summer ideas all under $5. Most of these events and activities are actually totally free! Oklahoma City offers plenty of frugal fun, so be sure to take advantage of these incredibly inexpensive programs and activities.
Editor’s note: This list is updated throughout the season, so please check back for updates.
- FREE Summer Thursdays are back at the Oklahoma Hall of Fame. Enjoy free family fun including themed storytimes, arts & crafts, outdoor games and more. Activities start at 10 a.m. every Thursday in June and July.
- Step outside and check out some public art. Must-see murals are scattered throughout town and don’t cost a dime to visit.
- Get the kids into the kitchen and make tasty yogurt pops that are a customizable, healthy snack the whole family will love.
- Spend time exploring nature during the FREE Family Nature Hikes at Martin Park Nature Center, held on select Saturdays all summer long.
- Taking the whole family out for a restaurant meal can be expensive. Pack up your regular homemade lunch and take it on a picnic to instantly upgrade your mealtime for free. Our list of top picnic spots in the metro should provide you with an ideal location.
- Explore downtown on a Full Moon Bike Ride at Myriad Gardens (301 W Reno Ave). The next ride is planned for July 10. All ages are welcome.
- Host a backyard camp-out play date, without all the fuss! While your at it, try out these tasty and fun yummy mummy dogs.
- Learn to pick a tune with Lucas Ross at the American Banjo Museum.
- Take part in a family-friendly block party in the Historic Capitol Hill District. FREE Fiesta Fridays features pop-up shops, live entertainment and more on the third Friday of June and July.
- Stir up summer science fun with a variety of simple experiments.
- Watch the high-flying acts at the FREE Tinker Air Show, headlined by the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds, June 28-29. Get insider tips to plan your day.
- Transform into a territorial Oklahoma kid! Find out what life was like when Oklahoma City was getting established in the 1890s with these fun activities.
- Celebrate the world of plants at Myriad Gardens during their FREE Summer Walkups. Weekends through Aug. 8, meet up in the Children’s Garden to enjoy a variety of nature-themed activities. 10 a.m.-noon.
- Immerse your family in the wonderful world of folk music at the FREE WoodyFest Children’s Festival. Hear renowned folk artists, take part in engaging workshops and enjoy activities for kids, including art, crafts, and more. July 11 & 12
- Head to Wild Horse Park in Mustang for FREE Pack the Park to enjoy an outdoor screening of Moana 2, inflatables, games, a chalk art contest and food trucks. July 12
- Tour the town on the new streetcars! Day passes are just $3. Enjoy free fares on the third Friday of May & June.
- Get up close and personal with local reptiles, from slithering snakes to fascinating lizards and turtles, during FREE World Snake Day at Martin Park Nature Center. July 19
- Take a stroll in OKC’s new Scissortail Park and check out the unique play equipment and water features. Or try out another free splash pad on this handy list.
- Try your hand at pickleball. Scissortail Park offers free lessons on select Tuesdays led by USA Pickleball Association. Preregistration is required as space is limited.
- Outdoor summer movies & concerts are offered totally free at many local parks. Spend a few bucks on concessions and you have a killer summer outing!
- Listen to an audiobook or podcast. Here’s a handy list of popular kid-friendly podcasts.
- Grab your phone and hit a local park for a family photo session. Capture silly memories together and share them with your family and friends.
- Travel the world without having to leave Oklahoma City with the FREE Dance Passport classes! Dance Passport offers free cultural dance classes on Saturdays through Aug. 30.
- Make an obstacle course in your backyard.
- Embrace the great outdoors by heading to one of these top spots for exploring nature in OKC.
- Have a water fight without the mess! Try out these DIY sponge bombs.
- Go fishing! The Oklahoma City metro has several close-to-home fishing options and City of Oklahoma City offers FREE fishing on the first Saturday of each month. Edmond & Moore are hosting FREE fishing derbies for young anglers.
- Paint with vegetables and fruits. Simply cut, dip and paint to see what kinds of patterns you can create. Find more crafts with unexpected materials at metrofamilymagazine.com/bypass-the-brush.
- Get some fresh air and exercise together on a bike ride. There are plenty of scenic trails to discover together.
- Beat the heat with a movie night. On Tuesdays & Wednesdays, Harkins Theatre in Bricktown brings classic films back to the big screen. Tickets are $5 and the movies begin at 7 p.m. on Tuesdays and at 1 p.m. on Wednesdays.
- Enjoy an afternoon of artmaking at Oklahoma Contemporary’s FREE Second Saturdays. June’s event features a Mystery Art Lab, and in July have fun with comic arts!
- Go geocaching.
- Enjoy an urban adventure at a local futsal, basketball, bocce ball or bike park.
- Juneteenth, also known as Freedom Day, is a celebratory tradition dating back more than 150 years. Find community celebrations happening around the metro.
- Make your own masterpiece with shaving cream! This fun activity makes everyone feel like an accomplished artist, kids and adults alike.
- De-clutter your house and sell your no-longer-needed stuff at a local consignment sale or resale shop. Make it a family project and use the cash to do something fun together!
- Play a round at a local disc golf course.
- Become a citizen scientist by creating your own mammal feeder!
- Rent a movie, make this festive popcorn and enjoy a night in!
- Join Lucas Ross on Aug. 2 at the American Banjo Museum for an entertaining day all about the Banjo. Banjo Farm features an instrument playground, banjo workshops, crafts and more. Admission is $4 for adults and free for kids 15 and under.
- Try a new playground! There’s no better way to entertain the kids than to take them to a new open-air play place. These 10 are totally free and recommended by our readers.
- Communities in the metro host exciting events filled with live music, local food and activities for guests of all ages. Grab your family and take part in thrilling street festivals in your community.
- The annual Firelake FireFlight Balloon Festival is back Aug. 8 & 9. See hot air balloons and enjoy live entertainment, fireworks and more. The festival is free to attend; some activities cost to participate.
- Host a family game night with homemade prizes for the winner. Find reader-recommended family games at metrofamilymagazine.com/family-board-games.
- Explore Full Circle Bookstore (1900 NW Expy) with the whole family. The shop has an extensive children’s area and regular events like live music and story times that are offered at no charge. Or hit up a local story time near you!
- Head to Scissortail Park on Aug. 9 for the Pakistan Day Celebration. Enjoy traditional Pakistani food, music, dance, and art, as well as educational exhibits and activities for children and families. The fun begins at 6:30 p.m.
- Use grass, leaves, sticks and a bit of yarn to create your own natural paintbrushes with this #AtHomeArt project.
- Create a nature scavenger hunt in your backyard.
- Enjoy a day trip to the Wichita Mountain Wildlife Refuge in Lawton. Get tips for your visit here.
- Celebrate the Mother Road at the FREE Rock the Route concert in Yukon on Aug. 28 from 6-11 p.m. There will also be food trucks and fun activities.
Looking for even more summertime fun? Check out our long list of summer resources. For more financially focused resources, visit our collection of family finance articles that include expert guidance to frugal family fun ideas.
