We know parents are searching high and low for ways to keep kids entertained. We want to help you do it all on a budget, so we’ve outlined 50 fabulous things to do this season all for $5 or less!
Looking for more affordable family fun? Be sure to check out our searchable calendar and sign up for our Weekend Picks to get inspiration sent straight to your inbox.
Editor’s Note: This list is updated throughout the season and was last updated on Oct. 31, 2025.
- Volunteer! Check out our list of family volunteer opportunities and take the time to give back.
- Did you know kids need 60 minutes of physical activity every day? Get moving with fun and easy ideas to stay active during the colder months from Shape Your Future.
- Pop into Myriad Gardens on Fridays to enjoy fun, free crafts! 10 – 11 a.m. inside the south lobby.
- Head to Seminole for FREE Admission Day at Jasmine Moran Children’s Museum on Nov. 23.
- Whether you are looking to explore something new or simply excite your mind in a new way, museums are a fun way for families to spend time together while learning about our world. From art and science to history and more, visit a local FREE museum.
- Stroll the festive streets of Auto Alley during their FREE Lights on Broadway Events (Nov. 29, Dec. 6 & 13). There will be family-friendly programming inside the shops and along the sidewalks such as live music, balloon art, performances, the chance to meet Santa Claus and more. 4-7 p.m.
- Find friendly competition at the FREE Game Night at the MAC at Mitch Park in Edmond. The event takes place on the first Saturday each month.
- Kids can dash for FREE in the Saints Santa Run, Dec. 6. The family-friendly race benefits the Downtown Oklahoma City Partnership.
- You don’t have to spend a dime to enjoy a day at a local bookstore. Commonplace Books in Midtown, Best of Books in Edmond and Full Circle Bookstore in NW OKC are all great options for a slow-paced afternoon.
- Get creative at Oklahoma City Museum of Art’s drop-in art activities held every Saturday in December. Activities are free with admission and kids always get in free.
- Use grass, leaves, sticks and a bit of yarn to create your own natural paintbrushes with this #AtHomeArt project.
- Whip up some tasty Banana Oat Pancakes for a healthy weekend brunch.
- Keep the kids entertained with some kid-friendly podcasts and educational YouTube channels.
- Relive your favorite films at Harkins Theater. On Tuesdays & Wednesdays, they bring the classics back to the big screen. Tickets are just $5. Tuesdays, 7 p.m.; Wednesdays, 1 p.m.
- Since nighttime arrives before bedtime during the winter months, spend time stargazing. While a telescope can add to the fun, it costs nothing to explore the night sky.
- Santa is stoppin’ in at the Oklahoma Hall of Fame for their annual FREE Deck the Hall of Fame event. Families can hang out with Santa, make reindeer food and more, while learning about extraordinary Oklahomans. Dec. 13, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- Combine science and art with this integrated arts activity focused on our solar system.
- LIVE on the Plaza moves to Sunday afternoons during the winter months. Meet local artists, listen to live music and more during the monthly celebration in the Plaza District. Second Sunday, noon-4 p.m.
- Drop a reel to catch rainbow trout during OKC Parks annual FREE Trout Derby. Kids 5-15 yrs. can receive a free fishing rod and reel courtesy of the Police Athletic League. Preregistration required. Dec. 13, noon-2 p.m.
- Join in on a FREE Polar Party during Oklahoma Contemporary’s December Second Saturday XL event. The winter-themed event will have art-making, performances and gallery adventures for visitors of all ages from 1-4 p.m.
- Visitors of all ages get free admission to the Oklahoma City Museum of Art on the second Sunday of each month, thanks to the generous support provided by Art Bridges Foundation’s Access for All program.
- Celebrate the festival of lights and Hanukkah with the Chabad Community Center at Scissortail Park during the FREE OKC Community Chanukah Festival. Enjoy live music and dancing, carnival rides, a giant menorah lighting and more from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m.
- Host a family game night with homemade prizes for the winner. Find reader-recommended family games at metrofamilymagazine.com/family-board-games.
- Celebrate the winter season with a FREE nature-themed story time at Myriad Gardens. Reading Wednesday includes a themed book, interactive songs and a small craft. Wednesdays, 10 a.m.
- Celebrate the winter solstice at First Americans Museum. The FREE celebration features storytelling, an immersive tunnel experience and more. Dec. 20 & 21 from 3-6 p.m.
- Enjoy free family fun at the Oklahoma Hall of Fame’s FREE Second OHOF Saturdays. Create a craft in their makerspace, explore exhibits, get your selfie in “Picture Yourself” and see new art and history exhibits. Second Saturday, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
- Whether or not snow is falling outside, your kids will love creating these homemade icicles!
- Drop-in during Myriad Gardens’ FREE Winter Drop-in Craft Time. Make a natural ornament, learn about winter plants and animals, make a craft and enjoy a holiday treat on Dec. 22 & 23. noon-2 p.m.
- Bundle up and go geocaching.
- Become a citizen scientist by creating your own mammal feeder!
- See the world’s largest collection of military firearms and a variety of war artifacts at the Oklahoma National Guard Museum.
- Train for a 5k race or a 10-mile bike ride as a family.
- Take in some public art! OKC is filled with must-see murals and incredible street art crafted by local artisans.
- Laugh out loud during the Squeaky Clean Family Friendly Comedy Show at OKC Improv. This family-friendly show encourages audience participation and tickets are just $5. 6-7 p.m.
- Ring in the new year at the FREE NYE Party in the Park at Scissortail Park on Dec. 31. Enjoy live music, food, holiday vendors and the official downtown countdown. Activities begin at 9:30 p.m.
- Kids can learn basic fishing skills during a FREE Hooked on Fishing clinic hosted by OKC Parks. Clinics are held throughout the year at various parks. Preregistration is required.
- Check out our street art scavenger hunt for a fun and easy way to inspire creativity and expose kids to art without spending a dime.
- Embrace the great outdoors by heading to one of these top spots for exploring nature in OKC.
- Rent a movie, make this festive popcorn and enjoy a night in!
- Winter weather makes us even more aware of the usefulness of insulation. Teach your kids more about the science behind insulated mugs and homes with this fun experiment.
- Go explore a local shop! Here are some of our favorites. Allow your kids to explore new spaces and don’t feel pressure to buy anything new!
- Create some cheer with handmade crafts you make together, including these easy-to-craft, winter-themed projects. Be sure to share your family’s art on social media with our hashtag #okcfamilyart.
- Embark on a winter hike! Use these tips to make the most of your adventure.
- Got some extra soda cans around the house? Take this opportunity to teach kids about air pressure with this fun and simple science experiment!
- Whisk away an afternoon of cabin fever and introduce your kids to one (or all) of these fun, family-friendly classic films from each decade.
- This one is for mom and dad! Boost your mental and physical wellness with these easy self-care strategies for busy parents. Because parenting is hard and we need some downtime too.
- Go to your local library and find some fun books to read aloud at home.
- Get the kids into the kitchen and make tasty yogurt pops that are a customizable, healthy snack the whole family will love.
- Check out our monthly list of the top 10 FREE events for families or scan our searchable calendar filled with family fun!
- Enter our contests! You could win tickets to local attractions, family getaways and so much more!!
Bonus – Check out our monthly list of the top 10 FREE events for families or scan our searchable calendar filled with family fun!
