Looking for family fun that doesn’t break the bank? Give these metro-area attractions a try and find great fun for around $25! We based our pricing on a family of four with two adults and two children, so your cost may vary depending on the size and ages of your family. If frugal fun is on your agenda, you won’t want to miss these six venues in the Oklahoma City metro.
Hit the Ice
Head to the ice rink to beat the summer heat! Two convenient locations make it easy for beginners as well as experienced skaters to have fun. Arctic Edge Ice Arena is located just off I-235 north of Memorial Avenue near Edmond, and Blazers Ice Centre is at the southeast corner of the I-35 and I-240 interchange south of the city.
Both locations offer skate rentals, or you can bring your own skates. Skate training aids, which slide along the ice with the skater, provide assistance to those who need extra help getting and keeping balanced. Special Family Skate Nights at both rink locations are Tuesdays from 7:15-8:45pm. Admission for a family of four is $20 (or $6 per person individually), which includes rental skates.
At both arenas, public skating is offered daily, including weekend afternoon sessions. Complete schedules for each rink can be found online. Regular public skating admission prices are $7 for ages 7 and up, $3 for ages 6 and under, $5 seniors (ages 55 and up). Skate rentals cost $3. Both rinks also have snack bars, arcade areas and pro shops.
Looking to watch some fast-action hockey fun? Both rinks are home to local collegiate teams, with UCO Hockey playing at Arctic and OU Hockey playing at Blazers. Ticket prices to see either team are affordable, beginning at $5 per ticket. Get up close to the action as seasons kick off in September.
Mom Tip: Dress appropriately as temperatures on the ice are cool and falling on the ice with bare skin is uncomfortable. Remember gloves to keep hands warm and protected. Helmets are permitted but not required.
Hands-on History
A Smithsonian Affiliate museum, the Oklahoma History Center is located on 23rd Street near the State Capitol and across the street from the Governor’s Mansion. The three-story building contains two floors of indoor exhibits to explore, a museum store, café, meeting and event space, classrooms and research library. There are also a variety of free outdoor exhibits on the museum grounds.
Museum hours are 10am to 5pm, Monday through Saturday. A family of up to six may enter for $18. Regular individual admission fees are $7 for adults, $4 for students, $5 for seniors (62 and up) and children (5 and under) are free. Veterans and active duty military are free.
The first floor exhibits currently showcase Oklahoma’s golf legends, Oklahoma writers, Oklahomans affiliated with the space industry, American Indians of Oklahoma and art by Apache artist Allan Houser. Also on display is the special exhibition “Oklahoma @ the Movies,” which continues through November 2014. This special interactive exhibit showcases many of Oklahoma’s silver screen connections, including music, makeup, special effects, props, screenwriters, actors and more. Highlights for kids include costumes to wear and a set from the movie Oklahoma! to play on.
The third floor has two galleries with a variety of exhibits showcasing the oil and gas industry, African Americans, the Civil War, military, sunken ships and more. The oil and gas exhibit has several interactive areas including working on a rig and visuals showing how energy is used in the community. The Steamboat Heroine interactive media displays tell the story of the sunken ship from 1838 recently recovered in the Red River.
The Sam Noble Gallery on the third floor features information on the Land Run, urban development, education, sod houses, politics and government, law and order, World War II, the 1950s kitchen and more. The third floor is also the site of the Winnie Mae Café, which operates from 11am-3pm, and offers delicious fresh sandwiches, snacks and beverages.
Mom Tip: Educational information is available online to supplement museum exhibits. These materials remain available after displayed museum exhibits are taken down, which all translates to more free learning opportunities.
See the Dinosaurs
Located on the campus of the University of Oklahoma in Norman, the Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History is a science and natural history adventure for the entire family to enjoy. The museum recently was awarded the National Medal for Museum and Library Service, an honor bestowed annually to the nation’s top museums and libraries. More than 55,000 square feet of exhibits and galleries await curious visitors.
Museum hours are 10am-5pm Monday through Saturday, and 1-5pm on Sunday. Admission is free the first Monday of each month. Admission fees are $5 for adults, $3 for youth ages 6-17, $4 for seniors (65 and up), children (5 and under) are free. The Orientation Gallery explains the science of collecting, giving behind-the-scenes information on the museum’s vast collections and research efforts. The Hall of Ancient Life explores prehistoric Oklahoma, with “dinovator” glass elevators that overlook the 95-foot-long Apatosaurus skeleton.
On the second floor, the Hall of the People of Oklahoma features Native American culture and archaeology. The Hall of Natural Wonders highlights the various natural landscapes across the state. Through January 4, 2105, the Higginbotham Gallery features the exhibit Formed in Stone: The Natural Beauty of Fossils.This new exhibit honors both the science and art of fossils.
The Discovery Room, an interactive family-fun room on the first floor, offers hands-ons activities including puppets, books, live animals and a fossil digging area. On Saturdays at 11:30am, children can participate in Feeding Time with the local reptiles, amphibians and fish. Discovery Time on Saturdays at 2pm and Sundays at 2pm features activities designed for preschool and elementary-age children.
Parking is free for museum visitors. Excavations, A Natural History Store, features unique gifts, and the Redbud Café is available on-site.
Mom Tip: A yearly family membership is available for only $45 and also offers discounts on programs and special events throughout the year.
Catch a Frugal Flick
If you missed seeing a movie when it was playing in the full-price theater, or are looking for a low-cost theater experience, then the Starplex Theater is your spot. Located in the Northpark Mall at the southeast corner of May and 122nd in Northwest OKC, movie tickets cost $2, and just $1 on Tuesday. There is a $2 upcharge per ticket for 3D movies.
The box office opens at noon and ten different movies are offered and theater capacities vary. A full concession stand offers $1 hot dogs and other snack bar fare. Combo specials combine drinks, popcorn and/or candy. Free popcorn refills are offered for the large bucket.
Mom Tip: Arrive early for your show time and be prepared for potentially long lines. Online ticket purchasing is not available, but movie information and show times are listed on the website. Make a back-up plan in case a movie is sold out or lines are too long. Most movie times are close together so it’s easy to have options.
Movies Al Fresco
Located just north of I-240, the Winchester Drive-In has been in operation since 1968 and brings back the nostalgia of old-time outdoor movies every night. Load the family into the car and bring blankets and lawn chairs to enjoy the late night double-feature shows. The first movie begins at 9:10pm followed by a different show at 11:20pm. Sound is offered via radio signal at FM 100.9.
The box office opens at 7:30pm, seven days a week. Entry fees must be paid in cash and are charged per person. Cost is $6 adults and $3 for children ages 3-10. Children under 3 are free. A full-service concession stand on-site offers a variety of food, beverage and snack items at reasonable prices.
Mom Tip: Movies change frequently so be sure to check their website for the current show, as well as movie trailers, rules and additional information. Movies are screened regardless of weather, so no rainchecks or refunds are issued in the event of rain.
Looking for more frugal fun? Find our list of Free Activities and Events in the OKC metro here.
