OKC Summer Bucket List - MetroFamily Magazine
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OKC Summer Bucket List

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If you can’t tell, we 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 more ideas than ever before 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. Visit a splash pad

Pools are great but splash pads are notorious for pulling the whole family into the fun. From infants to grandparents and everything in between, splash pads offer an ideal opportunity for all ages to cool off and have some water fun. One of our favorite Oklahoma City hot spots for splashing is just outside the Children’s Garden area at Myriad Botanical Gardens (301 W. Reno). Thunder Fountain lures kids in with everything from light sprinkles to heavy downpours. Fitting the nature theme of the gardens, this splash pad simulates a real rainforest thunderstorm by going through storm cycles to the delight of everyone under the shaded fountain canopy. Find more great splash pads and pools to visit this summer on this list.

2. See a movie under the stars

It’s just not summer without seeing a blockbuster at an OKC park. Several nights a week throughout the summer you’ll find movies playing at outdoor venues in 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 flick is Lions Park (450 S. Flood St., Norman), where film screenings are accompanied by fun activities like inflatables and sometimes face painting. Find several other outdoor movie showings on this list if you’re up for even more summer fun.

3. 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 buzz with live music throughout the summer. A favorite is the Sunday Twilight Concert Series presented by Arts Council Oklahoma
City. Bands take the stage at Myriad Botanical Gardens (301 W. Reno) every Sunday night through the summer to entertain audiences with live music. Grab a blanket or lawn chair and settle in near the stage to enjoy the tunes in a laid-back atmosphere.Find other outdoor concerts happening this season on this list.

4. Take in a ball game

“Take Me Out to the Ball Game” buzzes in our ears all summer and there’s nowhere we’d rather belt it out than at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark (2 S. Mickey Mantle Dr.). The stadium is home to Oklahoma City’s Minor League baseball team, the Dodgers. Tickets to these thrilling games are more affordable than a major league game, leaving some extra cash for snow cones and hot dogs. The ball field is conveniently located in Bricktown so catching a game affords you a chance to see the scenic Bricktown Canal and views of downtown. Search our calendar to find when the Dodgers are playing throughout the summer.

5. Go fishing

Parents who grew up fishing during the summer understand just how much fun this seasonal pastime is, but it can be difficult for city dwellers to go to all the trouble to have their kids take up
this summertime hobby. Between purchasing a pole and bait and taking the time to get a fishing license and scope out a good spot to drop your line, it may not seem worth the effort. We have good news! Oklahoma City offers opportunities for kids to learn to fish without purchasing equipment or getting licensed. Weekly lessons are available at Oklahoma City parks throughout the summer so there’s no excuse not to give your little ones a taste of this iconic summer experience. Find six kid-friendly fishing spots at www.metrofamilymagazine.com/fishing.

 

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