As the summer draws to a close and you reflect on the memories you’ve made, don’t leave any room for regret. Take your family to visit an Oklahoma lake or river. The options are as diverse as the many Oklahoma eco-regions. Here is a sampling of ideas—and we have just dipped our toe into the pool of possibilites to give you ideas. So don’t hesitate—gather your family and dive right in!

1. The Illinois River
Nearly 57 miles of river in eastern Oklahoma, The Illinois River offers year-round access for canoes, kayaks, and rafts. Permits are not required, but a fee of $2 per boat is collected by the Oklahoma Scenic River Commission. Visit SouthwestPaddler.com/docs/illinois.html or OutdoorsOK.com/Oklahoma/Illinois.

2. The Oklahoma River
Tour a seven-mile stretch of the Oklahoma River aboard an Oklahoma River Cruise. Board at Regatta Park at the east or Meridian Landing at the west and see the city as you never have before. Round-trip tickets $12 adults, $8 children 6-12 (with adult), children under 6 free. Group discounts and private cruises available. Visit OKRiverCruises.com.

3. Lake Arcadia
Edmond’s Arcadia Lake boasts 26 miles of shoreline and family-friendly activities include swimming, hiking, picnicking, and trails for horseback riding. Entry to lake area is $6 per car weekdays/$7 weekends. Other fees apply for other activities. Details, including lake rules and events may be found online here.

4. Turner Falls
Just a short trip south of the metro, Turner Falls boasts a 77-foot waterfall, caves, hiking trails, camping, and sandy beaches. Park admission is $9.99 for adults, $6 children 6-12, age 5 and under free; additional charge for camping. Visit TurnerFallsPark.com for information including maps and history.

5. Grand Lake
About 200 miles northeast of OKC near the town of Grove, Grand Lake was created in 1940 with the completion of a dam on the Grand River. The lake has 1,300 miles of shoreline. Along with swimming, boating, fishing, and hiking, visitors may enjoy a free tour of the Pensacola Dam. Visit grda.com/Water/Grand.html for details.

6. Lake Eufaula
Lake Eufaula in southeast Oklahoma is the largest lake in the state and supports a wide variety of activities, from swimming and boating to camping and birdwatching. Visit LakeEufaula.com.

7. Lake Tenkiller
Tenkiller Lake at the state park of the same name is rated the state’s best lake for sailing. The 130 miles of shoreline are dotted with ten marinas and 14 parks offering recreational activities including swimming, and SCUBA diving. Find more info at Tenkiller.net.

8. Lake Elmer Thomas
The Lake Elmer Thomas Recreational Area in Lawton features a water slide, miniature golf, sandy beach, and hiking trails, and RV camping hookups. Call 580-442-5541 for more information.

9. Lake Murray
Lake Murray State Park is the oldest and largest in the state. Come to swim or enjoy sports, picnic or camp. Trails are available for horseback riding and ATVs, or visit the Tucker Tower Nature Center for a guided tour with a state park naturalist. Visit TourOklahoma.com and select Lake Murray from the list to learn more.

10. Arbuckle Lake
The crystal-clear water of Arbuckle Lake (near Sulphur) make it a perfect destination for SCUBA divers, swimmers, and fishing enthusiasts alike. Campsites are also available. Visit OutdoorsOK.com/Oklahoma/Arbuckle for more information.