As the last few days of summer break come to an end, parents and kids alike could use a much-needed break for family fun. Here are the best family-friendly events and things to do, happening each day in August leading up to the first day of school.

Step away from the stress and have fun together.

(This is a working list last updated on June 21, 2023. Please check back often for updates.)

July 31

Grab your phone, snap some photos and enter our virtual Cover Kids contest! Kids ages 4 to 12 are eligible to enter. We can’t wait to meet your cuties!

Aug. 1

Weekly Walk-Ups at Myriad Gardens (301 W Reno Ave) features Tasty Tuesday. Enjoy healthy snacks by making creative little critters with vegetables, fruits and more from and inspired by the garden. $2. 10 a.m. – noon.

Treat the family to a movie night. Harkins is showing the Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory at 7 p.m. and tickets are just $5. Or, check out our recs of family-friendly flicks by the decades at metrofamilymagazine.com/family-friendly-flicks-by-decade.

Aug. 2

Take the family out to a ballgame! The OKC Dodgers take on the Round Rock Express. First pitch is at 7:05 p.m.

Aug. 3

VIBES Artwalk in Downtown Edmond (Broadway from 2nd to Edwards St, Edmond) features a variety of creative talent hosted at participating businesses. Listen to live music and take part in a variety of art-inspired activities. 5-9 p.m.

Aug. 4

Shop ’til you drop during Oklahoma’s Tax-Free Weekend kicking off Aug. 4 & continuing until Aug. 6.

Beat the heat with water wars at the FREE Friday Fundays at the Jackie Cooper Gym (1024 E Main St, Yukon). Kids can take part in fun water play activities starting at 10 a.m.

Aug. 5

Drop a line during the FREE Fishing Days at OKC ponds and lakes (various locations). The City of Oklahoma City offers FREE fishing on the first Saturday of each month. No city permit is required, however, a State license is for anyone 16 and older.

Kids Take Over the Cowboy at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum (1700 NE 63rd St).  Learn all about how gold was discovered in the American West and just how hard it was to mine. Free with admission. 10 a.m.-noon

Celebrate the end of summer at the Chisholm Creek Fam Jam. Enjoy a DJ, petting zoo, bounce houses, vendors and a Nouveau Makers Market featuring local student artists. Free to attend, 5:30-8:30 p.m.

Aug. 6

Enjoy a day trip to the Wichita Mountain Wildlife Refuge in Lawton. Get tips for your visit here.

Aug. 7

Step outside to discover why OKC was named the Best City for Street Art by USA Today readers! Check out these must-see murals are scattered throughout town. Or, tour the streets of OKC to see how many items you can find on our Street Art Scavenger Hunt.

Aug. 8

Curate a playlist and throw a family dance party at home.

Cheer on some of Oklahoma’s top riders as they race through the neighborhood streets in the Wheeler District during the FREE Wheeler Criterium. The first race takes off at 5:30 p.m. in front of The Big Friendly Brewery & Taproom.

Aug. 9

Cheer on some of Oklahoma’s top riders as they race through the streets of the Wheeler District during the Wheeler Criterium. The first race takes off at 5:30 p.m. in front of The Big Friendly Brewery & Taproom.

Aug. 10

See Oklahoma’s only mummy at the Mabee-Gerrer Museum of Art. During August, admission is free thanks to a generous donation. After your visit, make your own “mummies” at home!

Aug. 11

Go retro at the Plaza District’s Plazadelic LIVE! on the Plaza. The 70s theme event celebrates fun and disco music, while showcasing local artists and area businesses. 6-10 p.m.

Aug. 12

Stop in for FREE family fun at Oklahoma Hall of Fame’s (1400 Classen Dr) See You Saturday event. Enjoy complimentary museum admission, crafts and more! The fun kicks off at 9 a.m. with sensory-friendly activities during the first hour.

Watch one of the year’s brightest and most visible meteor showers at the FREE Perseid Meteor Shower Viewing at Martin Park Nature Center (5000 W Memorial Rd).  Park staff will set up a few telescopes to watch the show from one of the park’s meadows. 8-9:30 p.m.

Aug. 13

Play a round of disc golf. Find courses to try at metrofamilymagazine.com/disc-golf-courses-in-the-metro.

Visit the iconic Round Barn in Acadia. On this Sunday, there is a FREE live concert on the second-floor hayloft.

Aug. 14

Visit a locally owned bookstore such as Nappy Roots, Full Circle, Commonplace Books or Best of Books, many of which host weekly storytimes.

Is it even summer without snow cones?! Top off the end of summer break with a sweet treat at one of our favorite spots serving up cool treats.

Aug. 15

Check out the Chuhily exhibition, Chihuly Then and Now: The Collection at Twenty at the Oklahoma City Museum of Art featuring five decades of his works. Bonus – kids always get in free to the museum!

Then, create your own masterpiece with an integrated arts project like making a sculpture that explores force or drawing a work of art with patterns. Find instructions from Oklahoma A+ Schools at metrofamilymagazine.com/integrated-arts.

Aug. 16

Pop into Myriad Garden’s Children’s Garden for FREE Reading Wednesday. A local librarian will read nature-inspired books that connect children with what’s growing and changing in the Garden. 10 a.m.

Discover the colorful creations of Patterns of Knowing at Oklahoma Contemporary that explore how patterns sourced from Indigenous cultures embody a lineage of ideas. Bonus – Admission to Oklahoma Contemporary is always free.

Aug. 17

Go off the beaten path for some surprising new-to-you attractions like the Oklahoma Railway Museum or Oklahoma Firefighters Museum!

Aug. 18

Celebrate the end of summer break at FREE Fiesta Fridays in the Historic Capitol Hill district. Enjoy live entertainment, shopping, themed activities and more from 6-9 p.m.

Catch a FREE outdoor screening of Puss in Boots: The Last Wish at Little River Park in Moore. The movie will begin around sunset and families are encouraged to bring blankets and lawn chairs. Concessions will be available for purchase.

Aug. 19

Spend the afternoon at a local park flying kites! The wide-open spaces at Lake Hefner are a perfect destination to harness Oklahoma winds.

Finish off your day at the Asian District Night Market Festival at Military Park. Enjoy Asian food, cultural demonstrations, a fashion show, live music and more.

 

For even more family fun ideas, check out our 100 Days of Summer Fun!