Countdown to the First Day of School - MetroFamily Magazine
MetroFamily Magazine

Where OKC parents find fun & resources

Countdown to the First Day of School

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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 leading up to the end of summer break and the first day of school.

Step away from the stress and have fun together!

(This is a working list last updated on July 9, 2024. Please check back often for updates.)

July 29

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!

See Oklahoma’s only mummy at the Mabee-Gerrer Museum of Art. During July & August, admission is free thanks to a generous donation.

July 30

Summer Walk-Ups at Myriad Gardens (301 W Reno Ave) features Tasty Tuesday. Learn about healthy foods inspired by what’s growing in the gardens. Activities are come-and-go while supplies last. $2. 10 a.m. – noon.

July 31

Test your family’s knowledge of Harry Potter against other fans at Harry Potter Trivia Night at Full Circle Bookstore. The event is free to attend and all ages are welcome. 6-7:30 p.m.

Aug. 1 

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. 6-9 p.m.

Aug. 2

Get moving at the FREE Family Dance Party at the Edmond Library (10-10:45 a.m.). Or curate a playlist and throw a family dance party at home.

Then, shop ’til you drop during Oklahoma’s Tax-Free Weekend kicking off Aug. 2 & continuing until Aug. 4.

Aug. 3

Hit the trails at Martin Park Nature Center for a FREE guided Family Nature Hike. Park staff will answer questions about wildlife and nature. Preregistration is required. 9:30-10:30 a.m.

Then, 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.

Aug. 4

Follow along with Lyric Theatre as they present a modern adaptation of Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella at Civic Center Music Hall (201 N Walker Ave). Enjoy popular tunes such as “In My Own Little Corner,” “Impossible” and “Ten Minutes Ago.” Sunday’s showing begins at 2 p.m. Tickets start at $39.

Then, stop in at Oklahoma City Museum of Art for CatVideoFest, which benefits the Oklahoma Humane Society, and enjoy a compilation of the latest and best cat videos.

Aug. 5

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

Aug. 6

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

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. 7

Have lunch at the American Banjo Museum! Pack a lunch and enjoy a FREE concert and free admission during their monthly Brown Bag-it with Banjos event. Music begins at noon.

Then, 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

Go off the beaten path for some surprising new-to-you attractions like the American Pigeon Museum or Oklahoma National Guard Museum!

Aug. 9

Celebrate Smoky Bear’s Birthday at the Oklahoma State Firefighters Museum and enjoy free admission plus activities for kids. 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

Get rollin’ at the Plaza District’s SKATE! the Plaza block party. The theme event features live music while showcasing local artists and area businesses. 6-10 p.m.

Aug. 10

See a curated collection of relics from the past and more at Totally Rad Vintage Fest at the OKC Fairgrounds. Admission starts at $8 and kids (12 & under) get in free.

Learn about traditional Pakistani food, music, dance, and art at the Pakistan Day Celebration at Oklahoma City Convention Center (100 Mick Cornett Dr). There will also be educational exhibits and activities for kids.

Aug. 11

Art Bridges Foundation’s Access for All program, families can get free admission to Oklahoma City Museum of Art on the second Sunday of each month. Explore the work of Dale Chihuly and more from the museum’s collection.

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

Aug. 12

Learn about displaced people through Shelter at Oklahoma Contemporary. The exhibition features oral interviews, video projections and miniature ceramic structures inspired by global refugee camps. Bonus – Admission to Oklahoma Contemporary is always free.

Aug. 13

Treat the family to a movie night. Harkins is showing Jaws 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. 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

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

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

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.

Aug. 17

Scissotail Park is hosting a back-to-school field day where kids ages 6-12 can participate in 8 different sports. Try your hand at a soccer obstacle course, axe throwing, disc golf and more. A portion of the proceeds will help provide school supplies to a community school.

In honor of the recent release of Twisters, take a trip to the Twister Movie Museum in Wakita, Okla, one of the film sites in the original movie. The museum showcases Hollywood’s impact on the small community and storm chasing.

 

For even more family fun ideas to celebrate the end of summer break, check out our 100 Days of Summer Fun!

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