If you can’t tell, we, here at MetroFamily, love summer! From our 100 Days of Summer Fun list to our endless resources like our calendar of events and guide to summer camps, we’ve given you a lot of ideas for making your summer memorable. Between summer activities, sports and vacations, the season will fly by.
Whatever you do, make sure to make time for these five iconic Oklahoma City summer experiences.
1. Take a cruise on the water
Summertime and water play go hand and hand in Oklahoma City. Shake up a basic park trip with a human-powered water cruise at Scissortail Lake. The boathouse has rental paddle boats and all the needed safety equipment for a 45-minute trip around the scenic lake. Each boat fits up to four passengers and one 30-minute excursion costs $13. Finish off your fun day with a picnic high atop the hill for a picturesque view of downtown and a cool down in the fountains near the Children’s Playground.
2. See a movie under the stars
It’s just not summer without seeing a blockbuster at a local park. Several nights a week throughout the summer you’ll find movies playing at outdoor venues across the metro. Air-conditioned movie theaters are great, but there’s just something magical about seeing a movie from your spot on the picnic blanket with your family. One of our favorite places to catch a fun summer flick is Myriad Gardens (301 W Reno Ave). Find several other outdoor movie showings on this list if you’re up for even more summer fun.
Or, go old school and visit a metro drive-in for a heaping dose of Americana!
3. Head to the “beach”
If you are thinking that a beach trip is not in the cards for your family, waterfront fun is closer than you think! While Oklahoma is a land-locked state, we have miles and miles of lake and reservoir shoreline that can whisk you away with some splashing fun. Pack your “beach bag,” load up the family and head to one of these great Oklahoma beaches for some summertime fun!
4. Catch an outdoor concert
No matter how hot summer gets in Oklahoma City, locals are willing to sweat it out to enjoy a fun outdoor experience. Live music has a way of drowning out thoughts of heat, making family-friendly outdoor concerts a must for the season. Neighborhoods throughout the Oklahoma City metro area are abuzz with live music throughout the summer. A favorite is the concert series at Hafer Park in Edmond. Kick back under the park’s shady canopy of trees and enjoy the tunes in a laid-back atmosphere. Find other outdoor concerts happening this season on this list.
5. Hit up a local splash pad or create your own slip-n-slide at home
Nothing says summer quite like a water play day! Pack your sunscreen and towels and ramp up the fun with a visit to a local splash pad. There are more than 30 around the metro so you can keep your summer fun fresh with a visit to a new-to-you pad all summer long.
Or skip with crowds and make your own slip n slide for a wild time, or turn on the sprinklers and create a wet obstacle course.
6. Take a spin on the Wheeler Ferris Wheel!
As a centerpiece for the ever-growing Wheeler District, the Wheeler Ferris Wheel made its debut in 2016 and quickly became a stand-out landmark in our city. Hop about the towering wheel to enjoy spectacular views of downtown, kick back in the hammock grow, snap a fun pic in front of the O-K-C letters and play yard games in the plaza.
Looking for even more summer-time family fun? Check out our dozens of resources to help you plan your perfect summer!
