Just off Memorial Road between Meridian and MacArthur is Martin Park Nature Center where children can get up close and personal with all kinds of birds, squirrels, prairie dogs, butterflies, and bugs.

When it opened in 2004, South Lakes Regional Park was the first new Oklahoma City Park in twenty years. Located at SW 119th and Meridian just west of I-44, it’s a little off the beaten path but well worth the trek. The park is open from 5am-11pm, and is a great place to picnic and spend the day.

Are the kids bored with the same old thing? Head to Norman’s Andrews Park (at the intersection of Daws and Webster) for a full day of free fun. The playground features a large play structure with plenty of room to run.

Joe B. Barnes Regional Park in Midwest City boasts a large wooden playground designed by kids and built by a crew of volunteers. Located on Reno Ave just west of Douglas Blvd, the play area is adjacent to a large pavilion, public restrooms, ample parking, and a large grassy area with great shade trees and a nearby walking trail.