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 Jan. 18, 2024.
- Whether or not snow is falling outside, your kids will love creating these homemade icicles!
- 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.
- 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.
- Beginning January 2024, visitors of all ages will receive access to the Oklahoma City Museum of Art at no cost on the second Sunday of each month, thanks to the generous support provided by Art Bridges Foundation’s Access for All program.
- 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.
- 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.
- Kids can learn basic fishing skills during a FREE Hooked on Fishing clinic hosted by OKC Parks. Feb. 10 at Edwards Park & Feb. 24 at Route 66 Park. Preregistration is required.
- Combine science and art with this integrated arts activity focused on our solar system. (Be sure to keep an eye out for more integrated arts activities that bring learning and creativity together!)
- 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.
- 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 include a themed book, interactive songs and a small craft. Wednesdays, 10 a.m.
- Enjoy free family fun at the Oklahoma Hall of Fame’s FREE See You Saturdays. Create a craft in their Makerspace, explore exhibits, get your selfie in “Picture Yourself” and see new art and history exhibits. Second Saturday, 9 a.m.-2 p.m.
- Try out this exciting science experiment about floating!
- Bundle up and go geocaching.
- Become a citizen scientist by creating your own mammal feeder!
- Enjoy an Italian-themed afternoon at Fred Jones’ FREE Che Bella! An Italian Celebration. Take part in indoor bocce ball games, Il Dolce Gelato cart and other special activities. Jan. 21, 1:30-3:30 p.m.
- See the world’s largest collection of military firearms and a variety of war artifacts at the 45th Infantry Division Museum.
- Train for a 5k race or 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.
- Let Crayola inspire you during their FREE Crayola Creativity Week, Jan. 22-28, filled with hands-on, educational videos led by celebrities, downloadable handouts, daily prizes, a livestream virtual assembly and more.
- See Descendants of the Black 1000, an exhibition that shares the untold stories that trace the historical movement of Black communities over time, at Oklahoma Contemporary. Admission is always free!
- 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.
- 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.
- Embark on a journey to learn about the shared history of the 39 tribal nations that call our state home. On the third Sunday of each month, kids ages 4-12 receive free admission to the museum galleries at the First Americans Museum, thanks to a program called AT&T Sundays!
- Embrace the great outdoors by heading to one of these top spots for exploring nature in OKC. Find some tips for heading outdoors with little ones here.
- Rent a movie, make this festive popcorn and enjoy a night in!
- Get creative at Oklahoma City Museum of Art’s drop-in art activities typically held on the third Saturday of each month. Activities are free with admission and kids always get in free.
- Winter is the perfect time to bring learning indoors. We’ve got you covered with this simple science experiment to teach your kids about surface tension.
- You probably have all the ingredients on hand to make homemade ice cream in a bag. Teach your kids a science lesson while you do it!
- 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.
- Volunteer! Check out our list of family volunteer opportunities and take the time to give back.
- 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!
- 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.
- 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..
- Visit a historic one-room schoolhouse. Many of the ones on our list offer free admission.
- 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.
- Make plans to celebrate Lunar New Year with a celebration at Myriad Gardens. See cultural performances, face painting, music, crafts and special performances from the Lion Dancers on Feb. 10, 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
- Explore the history of Tulsa’s historic Greenwood District and the spirit of its Black citizens during their Freedom Fridays, when adults get free admission on Fridays through March 1.
- 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.
- Watch the Potato Dance World Championship at FAM! In this not-so-traditional dance, couples position a potato between their foreheads and dance. The last pair standing with the potato aloft and intact wins. Feb. 10, 1-3 p.m.
- Mardi Gras is rolling into Norman with the annual FREE Mardi Gras Parade on Feb. 10. See floats, musicians, dancers and more!
- Learn about the traditional and modern art forms practiced in Oklahoma during the FREE Art Night at Oklahoma History Center on Feb. 16 from 6-8 p.m.
- Become a Great Backyard Bird Count citizen scientist! Help observe the birds in our area and record your data to help scientists. $2 donation encouraged. Feb. 17, 2-3 p.m.
Bonus – Check out our monthly list of the top 10 FREE events for families or scan our searchable calendar filled with family fun!