50 things to do this summer under $5

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. 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.
2. Step outside and check out some public art. Must-see murals are scattered throughout town and don’t cost a dime to visit.
3. Visit a historic one-room schoolhouse. Many of the ones on our list offer free admission.
4. Spend time exploring nature during the FREE Family Nature Hikes at Martin Park Nature Center, held on select Saturdays all summer long.
5. Cheer on some of Oklahoma’s top riders as they race through the neighborhood streets in the Wheeler District during the FREE Wheeler Criterium. Tuesdays, 5-8 p.m.
6. 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.
7. Explore downtown on a Full Moon Bike Ride and Run at Myriad Gardens (301 W Reno Ave). The next ride is planned for May 23. All ages are welcome.
8. Host a backyard camp-out play date, without all the fuss! While your at it, try out these tasty and fun yummy mummy dogs.
9. Learn to pick a tune with Lucas Ross at the American Banjo Museum.
10. Be inspired at VIBES, a monthly artwalk in Downtown Edmond. Participating businesses host a variety of creative talent.
11. 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, July and August.
12. Join MetroFamily for Thrive Fest on June 1, a celebration of family health and wellness featuring fun activities to challenge all family members. Advance tickets are just $5 for kids, adults are FREE!
13. Step back in time with a visit to Harn Homestead. On June 1, the museum is hosting a Picnic on the Prairie event inviting families to celebrate William Harn’s birthday with tours, local crafters, food and family fun. Bring lunch or buy food onsite. Admission is free during the event.
14. Stir up summer science fun with a variety of simple experiments. 
15. Plan a trip to the first annual FREE Farmers Market District Festival to enjoy local vendors, a petting zoo, live music and more. June 2, 11 a.m. -7 p.m.
16. 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.
17. Hit up Sonic’s Happy Hour or any of the other special meal discounts on our Restaurant Family Discount page for cheap refreshments.
18. 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.
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.
20. 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!
21. Listen to an audiobook or podcast. Here’s a handy list of popular kid-friendly podcasts.
22. 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.
23. Make an obstacle course in your backyard.
24. Embrace the great outdoors by heading to one of these top spots for exploring nature in OKC.
25. Celebrate with Infant Crisis Services as they turn 40! Take part in a family carnival with a pancake breakfast, games and activities, a petting zoo, art, and music. June 8, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
26. Have a water fight without the mess! Try out these DIY sponge bombs.
27. Head to the Edmond History Museum for the FREE Route 66 Blue Hippo Festival on June 15 from 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
28. Celebrate Dad at the FREE Father’s Day Fest at Scissortail Park on June 16 from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Enjoy inflatables, face painting, games, local vendors, live entertainment, food trucks and more.
29. 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.
30. 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.
31. Learn about the world of snakes at the FREE World Snake Day Celebration at Martin Park Nature Center on July 13. You’ll be able to get up-close with live non-venomous snakes, make themed crafts and more.
32. Get some fresh air and exercise together on a bike ride. There are plenty of scenic trails to discover together.
33. 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.
34. Enjoy an afternoon of artmaking at Oklahoma Contemporary’s FREE Second Saturdays. June’s event is all about clay houses and in July have fun with giant flower power.
35. Go geocaching.
36. Enjoy an urban adventure at a local futsal, basketball, bocce ball or bike park.
37. Juneteenth, also known as Freedom Day, is a celebratory tradition dating back more than 150 years. Find community celebrations happening around the metro.
38. Make your own masterpiece with shaving cream! This fun activity makes everyone feel like an accomplished artist, kids and adults alike.
39. 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!
40. Play a round at a local disc golf course.
41. Become a citizen scientist by creating your own mammal feeder!
42. Rent a movie, make this festive popcorn and enjoy a night in!
43. 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.
44. 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.
45. 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!
46. Use grass, leaves, sticks and a bit of yarn to create your own natural paintbrushes with this #AtHomeArt project.
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. Get free admission in June, July and August!
50. Celebrate the Mother Road at the FREE Rock the Route concert in Yukon on Aug. 29 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.