5 Fun Activities to Enjoy at OKC Parks This Month

You and your family may be very surprised by all the events, activities and things to do at OKC Parks. The Oklahoma City Parks and Recreation Department manages almost 200 attractions including parks, walking trails, swimming pools and recreation centers for the community to enjoy.

Their community and recreation centers offer daily activities and classes exploring everything from performing arts and cooking to individual and team sports, plus numerous adaptive activities perfect for children and adults who have special needs and frequent Hooked on Fishing learn-to-fish sessions. OKC Parks’ line-up of activities is designed to cater to everyone, regardless of age, ability or interest.

• OKC Parks & Trails
• Recreation Centers
• Swimming Pools, Aquatic Centers & Splash Pads
• Fishing
• Martin Park Nature Center programming
• Will  Rogers Gardens programming

Here are the OKC Parks’ highlighted activities and events for this month:

Whether you’ve never been on a skateboard or you’re an avid skater, the OKC Parks Skateboard Clinics help kids gain confidence and master new skills and tricks. Instructors will share their knowledge on basic safety and skatepark etiquette. Helmets are required and safety gear is highly encouraged! Cost is $100 per clinic with registration available online: June 2-4 clinic ages 6-12 (FULL – waitlist available), June 2-4 clinic ages 13-17, June 16-18 ages 6-12, June 16-18 ages 13-17. For more information, contact Roy Blevins at roy.blevins@okc.gov or (405) 202-8640.

Performing Arts Camp at Northwest Optimist Performing Arts Center

When: June 2-13, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Where: Northwest Optimist Performing Arts Center, 3301 NW Grand Blvd, OKC

Ages: 6 to 12 & 13 to 17

Cost: $230

Children and teens can explore theater arts and take the stage at the OKC Parks summer drama camp. Throughout the two-week camp, students will learn the ‘ins and outs’ of musical theatre, including auditioning skills, physical and vocal warmups, stage directions, choreography, and acting lessons – all culminating in a delightful performance of the Princess and the Pauper. Space is limited so register early: Ages 6-12 registration and ages 13-17 registration. Extended childcare is available for $25 per child. Extended drop off/pick up times are 7:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m.

OKC Parks: Currents and Creatures at Martin Nature Park

When: June 7, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Where: Martin Nature Park, 5000 W. Memorial, OKC

Ages: All ages welcome

Cost: free

Join OKC Parks for Current and Creatures – an aquatic critter adventure! Attendees will explore different stations and see how water shapes land and impacts animals, and learn what lives in the park’s pond – from catfish to snapping turtles. It’s a fun-filled afternoon discovering the wildlife that call Oklahoma’s waterways home. In addition, participants can earn a Riparian Ranger badge.

Nature’s Classroom: Insect Safari at Martin Nature Park

When: June 12 and June 14, 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.

Where: Martin Nature Park, 5000 W. Memorial, OKC

Ages: 5 to 12

Cost: $5

Go on an Insect Safari at Martin Nature Park! Attendees will learn all about insects – where and how they live, the differing details of arthropods and explore outdoors to discover insects in their natural habitat. Close-toed shoes are recommended. Pre-registration is required and a parent/guardian must accompany their child(ren). June 12 registration and June 14 registration.

Youth Artists Camp at Macklanburg Recreation Center

When: June 23-27 from 8 a.m. to Noon

Where: Macklanburg Recreation Center, 2234 NW 117th St., OKC

Ages: 6 to 12

Cost: $75

Inspire your child’s inner artist at OKC Park’s week-long Youth Artist Camp, presented in partnership with the Oklahoma City Arts Council. Participants will learn about the fundamentals of art and experience painting with watercolors and acrylics, as well as molding 3D objects with clay. Space is limited, so pre-register today!