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. 14, 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 in January and February to enjoy fun, free crafts! 10 – 11 a.m. inside the south lobby.
- 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.
- On Tuesdays in January and February, drop into Myriad Gardens and make tasty treats and snacks with ingredients found in the conservatory. Activities take place in the visitor lobby and are free. 10 -11 a.m.
- 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.
- Learn about the exciting life of native water birds – what they eat, how they stay warm and more – through a hands-on class at Martin Park, Nature’s Classroom: Duck Duck Goose. Jan. 23, 10-11 a.m.
- Celebrate Martin Luther King Jr with a community celebration. Myriad Gardens hosts special activities from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and the annual parade begins at 2 p.m.
- 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.
- Observe eagles in their natural habitat during the FREE Bald Eagle Watch at the Chickasaw National Recreation Area on Jan. 25. Start with a brief presentation followed by a park ranger led hike. 9 a.m.-noon.
- Keep the kids entertained with some kid-friendly podcasts and educational YouTube channels.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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!
- 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 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.
- See Outré West at Oklahoma Contemporary where admission is always free! Outré West features the works of students from the American School of Architecture.
- 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.
- 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!
- 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!
- Celebrate Lunar New Year at Myriad Gardens. Enjoy cultural performances, face painting, music, crafts and special performances from the Lion Dancers on Jan. 25. 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
- 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!
- Visit a historic one-room schoolhouse. Many of the ones on our list offer free admission.
- Learn a new sport or brush up on your Lacrosse skills at a FREE Lacrosse Clinic at Dick’s House of Sport OKC on Feb. 2. 2-4 p.m.
- 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.
- 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.
- Did you know that some birds travel of 6,000 miles each year during their migration? Head to Martin Park to learn about these extreme athletes of the bird world during Nature’s Classroom: Migration Vacation on Feb. 20. 10-11 a.m.
- Score some great deals at the Friends of the Metropolitan Library System Book Sale at the OKC Fairgrounds Oklahoma Expo Hall. Browse gently used books, DVDs, audiobooks and more. Feb. 22-23.
- 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!
