Memorial Day is a national holiday for remembering people who died while serving in our country's armed forces. It's a sacred and revered day and we hope you will take time to honor the occasion and share its true meaning with your family. Because many parents have a three-day weekend for the holiday, we've rounded up some opportunities for family fun throughout the weekend in addition to a special event on Monday that pays tribute to men and women who have given their lives in service to our country.
See our full Memorial Day Fun Guide here!
Why We Love It: If you're up for a drive (an hour and a half south of the metro), the annual Memorial Day Celebration at the Chickasaw Cultural Center is a must. Kids can travel back in time at this free event to stroll the beautiful museum grounds that replicate traditional Chickasaw life and enjoy special cultural demonstrations and traditional games to celebrate the long weekend. Special family films will be shown at the museum's Anoli' Theater, but admission fees apply to the films and museum exhibits.
Why We Love It: If you have the day off on Monday and have a dog, then head to Wiley Post Park for an exciting pet-friendly run along the Oklahoma River. The family-friendly event features a 3K race for runners and walkers with or without dogs. The event benefits A New Leash on Life, Inc., which helps Oklahomans with disabilities lead richer lives with trained assistance and therapy dogs.
Why We Love It: A fantastic way to expose young children to the arts is by attending an arts festival. This free Memorial Day weekend event features dozens of musicians and live performers, festival foods, artists selling their goods and a free children's area where kids can explore hands-on arts opportunities.
Why We Love It: This exciting annual event at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum provides an opportunity for families to dine at America's first food trucks: chuck wagons. In addition to delicious festival food, event highlights include indoor and outdoor hands-on activities like leather stamping, face painting, square dancing, butter churning and rope making. Festival activities are hosted at the Museum gardens, providing easier access to indoor Museum exhibits (which are free with festival admission). Admission is $15 for adults and free for museum members and kids under 12.
Why We Love It: This small-town festival takes visitors back in time with a fun parade, sidewalk sales, children's activities and row after row of classic cars. This annual event features all the best things about historic Route 66 and celebrates the history of the Mother Road in Oklahoma with plenty of entertainment and family-friendly activities.
Why We Love It: This event at the 45th Infantry Museum truly embraces the meaning of Memorial Day by paying tribute to the men and women who have given their lives for our country. Ceremony highlights include a helicopter flyover, patriotic music, guest speakers and massing of the colors. The event offers a great opportunity for kids to learn more about our military history and honor the men and women who serve in the armed forces.
