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. 

1. Step outside and check out some public art. These must-see murals are scattered throughout town and don’t cost a dime to visit.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. Kids can get moving at a fitness class designed for kids ages 4 to 8, FREE Myriad in Motion: Jump and Short. Exercises integrate explosive movements like jumps, kicks and even teamwork games like relay races and an obstacle course. Saturdays, 8:30 a.m.
5. Create abstract sculptures, collaborate on a community art piece and take interactive tours at Oklahoma Contemporary! During their FREE Second Saturday event on June 11 will feature oversized fun with massive blocks, gigantic crayons and more. 1-4 p.m.
6. Host a backyard camp-out play date, without all the fuss! While your at it, try out these tasty and fun yummy mummy dogs.
7. Harn Homestead invites families to have a Picnic on the Prairie and explore the historic buildings and grounds. June 25, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. 
8. Learn to pick a tune with Lucas Ross’ Banjo Farm at the American Banjo Museum on July 9. Enjoy a fun performance, instrument petting zoo, crafts and more. Admission is $4 for adults and free for kids under 15.
9. Tour the town on the new streetcars! Day passes are just $3. Enjoy free fares on the third Friday of August & September and on Labor Day.
10. 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.
11. 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!
12. Kick back and listen to the Husbands as they headlined Scissortail Park’s FREE outdoor concert on Aug. 19. Guests are encouraged to bring picnics, blankets and lawn chairs. The concert begins at 8 p.m.
13. Listen to an audiobook or podcast. Here’s a handy list of popular kid-friendly podcasts.
14. 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.
15. Make an obstacle course in your backyard.
16. Visit a historic one-room schoolhouse. Many of the ones on our list offer free admission.
17. Spend even more time exploring nature during the FREE Night Hike at Martin Park Nature Center. Witness how the park comes to life after the lights go out. Aug. 20 at 7:30 p.m.    
18. Watch Shrek and even games, food trucks and more at Midwest City’s FREE Family Friday at Joe B. Barnes Regional Park on Aug. 20. Activities begin at 6 p.m., the movie begins at dusk.
19. Embrace the great outdoors by heading to one of these top spots for exploring nature in OKC.
20. Have a water fight without the mess! Try out these DIY sponge bombs.
21. 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.
22. 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.
23. Get some fresh air and exercise together on a bike ride. There are plenty of scenic trails to discover together.
24. Beat the heat with a movie night. On Tuesdays, Harkins Theatre in Bricktown brings classic films back to the big screen. Tickets are $5 and the movies begin at 7 p.m.
25. Go geocaching.
26. Enjoy an urban adventure at a local futsal, basketball, bocce ball or bike park.
27. Stop in for a special storytime with local author Tammi Sauer at the FREE Community Early Literacy Event at Rainbow Fleet. Sauer will read her book, Wordy Birdy. Aug. 26, 9 a.m.
28. Catch a special screening of Addam’s Family at the FREE Fourth Friday Films in Midwest City. Before the film enjoy music, a costume contest, yard games and a tropical slide. Aug. 26, 7 p.m.
29. Stir up summer science fun with a variety of simple experiments. 
30. Be inspired at the FREE Color of Art mini-festival at Scissortial Park on Aug. 28. Sponsored by local artist Original Flow, the event merges local music, dance and visual arts to cultivate a space for cultural, community and creativity. 6-9 p.m. 
31. 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.
32. Hit up Sonic’s Happy Hour or any of the other special meal discounts on our Restaurant Family Discount page for cheap refreshments.
33. Make your own masterpiece with shaving cream! This fun activity makes everyone feel like an accomplished artist, kids and adults alike.
34. Celebrate the Mother Road at the FREE Rock the Route concert in Yukon on Sept. 1. from 6-11 p.m. There will also be food trucks and fun activities.
35. 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!
36. Play a round at a local disc golf course.
37. Plan your mission to space in preparation for the Oklahoma History Center’s From Launch to Landing: Oklahomans in Space exhibit, on display now.
38. Explore downtown on a Full Moon Bike Ride and Run at Myriad Gardens (301 W Reno Ave). The next ride is planned for Sept. 10 and will celebrate the Corn Moon. $5 suggested donation. All ages welcome. 7:30-8:30 p.m.
39. Become a citizen scientist by creating your own mammal feeder!
40. Rent a movie, make this festive popcorn and enjoy a night in!
41. 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.
42. Banana Fro-Yo is a cheap snack that will hugely upgrade a banana bundle. Use on-hand ingredients to make this stellar summer snack.
43. 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.
44. 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 storytimes that are offered at no charge. Or hit up a local storytime near you!
45. Use grass, leaves, sticks and a bit of yarn to create your own natural paintbrushes with this #AtHomeArt project.
46. Step up your park day at the FREE Kids Day at the Park at Central Park in Moore. In addition to the walking trails, playground and open play spaces, there will be inflables, yard games and free snow cones. Sept. 5, 9 a.m.-noon. 
47. Create a nature scavenger hunt in your backyard.
48. Enjoy a day trip to the Wichita Mountain Wildlife Refuge in Lawton. Get tips for your visit here. 
49. See Oklahoma’s only mummy at the Mabee-Gerrer Museum of Art. During June, July & August, admission is free thanks to a generous donation.
50. Plan a trip to El Reno’s FREE Fly-in and Community Day at the El Reno Airport. The day will features an air show, car show, inflatables and more. Sept. 10, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

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.