Summer is in full swing at our house, and if I had a dollar for every time I’ve heard “I’m bored,” I’d be rich! Unfortunately, my children’s “boredom” does not pay the bills, and taking our family of four anywhere feels like a swift kick in the bank account.
Thankfully, there are a ton of fun things to do in and around OKC that won’t break the bank. Whether you’re looking for a quick afternoon outing, a full-day adventure, or just a reason to get everyone out of the house and off screens, here are some of my family’s favorite activities that can be done for under $40.
1. Spend the Day at the Myriad Gardens
Whenever I think about getting everyone out for some fun in OKC, the Myriad Gardens is the first place that comes to mind. Budget-friendly and endlessly entertaining, there’s always something going on.
The outdoor gardens, splash pad, playground, and walking paths are free, and we can easily spend an hour or more exploring. Pack a lunch and some drinks to avoid the “I’m starving” dilemma.
Budget: Free
2. Grab a Sweet Treat and Head to Scissortail Park
Grab ice cream, let the kids play on the playground, cool off at the splash pad, and enjoy one of the prettiest parks in the city. Like the Myriad Gardens, there’s almost always something going on at Scissortail.
Bring towels and a change of clothes if the splash pad is running.
Budget: $15-$25
3. Explore the Crystal Bridge
If you’ve never taken your kids through the Crystal Bridge at the Myriad Gardens, here’s your sign!
Walking through a tropical rainforest in the middle of Oklahoma never gets old. There are waterfalls, exotic plants, and enough things to look at that kids stay surprisingly engaged.
Budget: About $32 for a family of four
4. Visit Martin Nature Park
Martin Nature Park is one of those places that somehow still feels like a hidden gem. I’m always surprised more people aren’t there!
The trails are easy enough for younger kids, there’s plenty of wildlife to spot, and it’s completely free. It’s a great option when you want your kids off screens and outside for a while.
Mom Tip: Go early in the morning if you’re visiting during the summer. No dogs allowed—ask me how I know!
Budget: Free
5. Take a Route 66 Adventure to POPS
If you’ve never been to POPS, what are you doing?
Even if we don’t buy much, my kids love looking at the hundreds of soda options and taking pictures with the giant soda bottle outside. Everyone picks a fun drink, and we’ve made it an inexpensive mini road trip.
Budget: $10-$25
6. Explore Bricktown
We love a good stroll through Bricktown. It’s one of those outings that feels special without costing much. Walk along the canal, watch the water taxis go by, and enjoy the atmosphere. Sometimes we’ll grab a small treat and just wander. In the evenings, you can almost always catch live music.
Budget: Free
7. Splash Pad Hopping
We love a good splash pad, and luckily, there are so many to choose from!
Scissortail, Myriad Gardens, Yukon City Park, Mustang’s Brittany Park and several Moore parks all offer great options. Pack a picnic lunch, and you’ve got a free day of entertainment.
Budget: Free
8. Library Adventure Day
I don’t think enough people take advantage of our libraries.
From story times, craft days, STEM activities, and summer programs, our libraries and community centers are doing the actual most to make summer simple yet fun. Let the kids pick out books, participate in an activity, and then stop for a cheap treat afterward.
Join a summer reading program! Most metro libraries have them going on with prizes, free events, and activities scheduled throughout the week.
Budget: Free-$10
9. Feed the Animals at Lakeview Farmers’ Market
Possibly the best $10 you’ll ever spend, feeding the animals at the Lakeview Farmers’ Market really fills my 6-year-old’s cup! Afterward, we walk the market and check out all the amazing local vendors.
Budget: $10
10. Try Disc Golf
One of the cheapest hobbies we’ve found for our family is disc golf. A beginner set costs about $20–30, most courses are free, and it’s something we love doing together. From Tuttle to Tulsa, disc golf courses are popping up literally everywhere and (usually) cost nothing to play, making it one of the few activities where your upfront cost can provide entertainment all summer long! Our personal favorite is the Wild Horse course in Mustang!
Budget: $20-30
Make Summer Memorable, Not Expensive
Between the “90s summer” trend, the efforts to go screen-free, and how expensive it is to just leave your house, the pressure is on for moms when it comes to creating a memorable summer break.
But some of our family’s favorite days have been the cheapest ones: walking around Myriad Gardens, sharing ice cream at the park, or exploring a new trail or disc golf course together.
Chances are, kids have no idea how much money you spent on them, but they will remember the time you spent with them. In the end, these memories aren’t just for them—they’re your memories too!
And thankfully, here in Oklahoma City, there are plenty of ways to make those memories without spending a fortune.
