MetroFamily is all about FUN for families, so we’re highlighting some of our favorite local attractions, driving-distance destinations and other essentials to make your summer the best one yet!
Local Summer Fun – make memories right here in OKC!
Looking for the ultimate way to kick off summer? OKANA Resort & Indoor Waterpark is now open! Dive into thrilling water slides, water adventures, and 11 pools—including a beachy lagoon with a swim-up bar. With over a dozen dining options, cutting-edge sports simulations, a luxurious spa, and gorgeous rooms, OKANA has something for everyone.
Need something to get the kids out of the house for a day or even a week? Discover a summer of fun and creativity at YMCA of Greater OKC Summer Day Camps or even purchase a day pass for the family! From sports to arts and crafts, and STEM projects to swimming, there’s an adventure waiting for every child. Kids will discover not just the wonders of day camp but the joy of exploring their unique traits, talents and interests and the power of sharing their strengths and skills to benefit a group.
Plan a family day out and enjoy a state-of-the-art bowling experience, an arcade, laser tag, Virtual Reality gaming, rock wall climbing and bumper cars at Altitude 1291. Perfect for having fun together – rain or shine!
For the adventurous family, RIVERSPORT offers exciting outdoor urban adventures including whitewater rafting, tubing, surfing, adventure courses, zip lines, high speed slides, extreme jumping, climbing walls, kayaking, stand up paddle boarding, a bike park with pump tracks and a mountain bike skills trail, indoor alpine skiing and more!
You can’t go wrong with a family day at the OKC Zoo. With hundreds of animal species and expansive botanical gardens, including the popular Sanctuary Asia exhibit and a new exhibit featuring African animals, everyone in the family will enjoy the day.
At Celebration Station, partake in friendly competition on the 18-hole miniature golf course, race to the finish line in the go-karts, or hit the arcade for interactive games, air hockey, prize cranes and more. Their bumper boats are the perfect way to cool off!
Summer wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the Myriad Botanical Gardens and the Inasmuch Foundation Crystal Bridge Conservatory. The gardens are free and open to the public and provide 15 acres to explore. Be sure to check out children’s garden and playground with adaptive equipment. While you are there, visit the Crystal Bridge and discover the reflection pool and plant collections. Mo’s Carousel is also a must-do and provides a perfect picture moment for the summer!
Treat your family to tickets at Oklahoma’s leading professional theatre company. Lyric Theatre of Oklahoma was named by USA Today as one of the 10 great places to see the lights way off Broadway. By bringing in professional actors, designers and technicians to work side-by-side with the best of local talent, Lyric continues its long-standing tradition of producing stellar productions for the people of Oklahoma.
Enjoy Shakespeare’s works while gathered around the outdoor performance area at Oklahoma Shakespeare in the Park! Be sure to bring a blanket or lawn chair, and prepare to be whisked away into the fascinating worlds of one of the world’s most influential playwrights!
Want to get out of town for bit? Check out our recommendations for a driving-distance family getaway.
Adventure is calling in Branson! Spend your time at one of three beautiful lakes, entertain your group at a live music show like The Haygoods or tickets to attractions like the Branson Ferris Wheel or Titanic Museum. Make sure to get a good night’s sleep at cozy accommodations like the Thousand Hills Resort.
Plan a weekend getaway filled with nostalgia, cowboys and culture aboard the Heartland Flyer – destination Cowtown! The journey not only provided respite from typical travel stressors but also set a tranquil tone for the adventures that awaited us.
Located in Goddard, Kansas, Tanganyika Wildlife Park has been named the most interactive wildlife park in the Midwest! Enjoy the park’s more than 400 animals, or choose from over 15 up-close and personal experiences hand-crafted by Tanganyika keepers to deepen your connection to rare and endangered species. Interact with exotic animals such as sloths, penguins, otters, small cats and so much more, all in a boutique setting.
A family road trip isn’t complete without these essentials!
OnCue is the place for hot food, fresh drinks or a fill up! Help break up your road trip with a bathroom break in super clean restrooms, stretch your legs and enjoy a snack or sweet treat!
Speaking of road trip snacks, pick up some tasty Trucker Treats Pretzels to have on hand when the kids get hungry. These gourmet pretzels are the nation’s best seasoned pretzel company and the company was founded right here in Oklahoma!
If you need help keeping road trip snacks and beverages cool this summer, the Huhu Insulated Cooler Bag is what you need! Crafted from premium, durable materials and designed for everyday use, its water-resistant fabric is easy to clean.
“Are we there yet?” These items will help with road trip boredom and reduce screen time while traveling. Scentco Water Magic activity books are perfect for travel days in the car or on the plane. Fill the brush with water and apply it to the scene boards to watch the colors magically appear and disappear as it dries!
Other fun products to try out with the family this summer:
Outdoor Fun
Build confidence with The Flyer Glider Jr from Radio Flyer. This 3-wheel scooter is equipped with high-performance bearings that help toddlers focus on their balance. The handlebar adjusts to any height so this scooter can grow with your child!
Glide, Spin and Drift with Radio Flyer’s Sting Ray ride-on. This isn’t like your traditional scooter or ride-on; it’s more fun! Caster wheels provide a smooth ride and 360° spin-out action.
Get ready to elevate your grilling game with the ultimate Bundle from Bartlow’s BBQ, featuring a collection of mouthwatering seasonings & sauce flavors that will take your taste buds on an unforgettable adventure—all inspired by the heart and soul of Oklahoma!
Glow Football Field Set This innovative football field set keeps the excitement of football going long after the sun sets! Don’t let nighttime be anend to outdoor play; light up your backyard and keep the game alive with this glowing football set!
Indoor fun for rainy days or the scorchers!
Get kids moving and engaged with interactive soccer toys like MindWare’s Super Striker Hover Soccer Ball. Designed for safe indoor use, this smart soccer ball floats magically above hardwood, laminate or tile floors, so kids can kick their way to victory without breaking household goods.
Need to beat the rainy day blues? Skippity is easy to learn and fast to play. This game is easy to learn and fast to play! Can you collect complete color sets by jumping over the colors you need while blocking your opponents from doing the same?
CONNETIX Magnetic Tiles offer a variety of beautiful magnetic tile sets that encourage open-ended play and help develop a child’s imagination and creativity. Unlock creativity and build BIGGER with strong magnets, vibrant colors and stunning clear refractions.
Whatever your plans this summer are, big or small, near or far, we hope you are encouraged to make memories that will last a lifetime
Whether it’s too hot to go outside or you’re just looking for a new way to play together, Nex Playground makes summer fun easy and active—right from your living room. This innovative active entertainment system (think Nintendo Wii, but smarter and more modern!) is the perfect way to turn screen time into meaningful, movement-filled family playtime. Nex Playground connects directly to your TV and requires no wearables or extra sensors. With five included games and an optional subscription for even more content, it’s easy for everyone to jump in using simple, natural movements.
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