Your Summer Bucket List For Fun Activities in OKC

Posted in Family Photography, OKC resources by Charis Elisabeth

June 5, 2026

Yay! Schools out and summer is here, and if you’re anything like me, you probably have a long list of things stored somewhere in your brain of things you’ve heard would be fun to do.

I usually always start summer with a bunch of grand plans and then get to the end of summer and realize I didn’t do or remember several things I heard that were fun! So that’s why I am making a summer bucket list.

I don’t make it so I have to accomplish every single thing on it, but because it helps me be intentional about making memories together. Otherwise it’s so easy to reach August and realize the weeks disappeared somewhere between grocery runs, laundry, and trying to keep everyone fed.

If you’re looking for a few fun ideas, here’s an summer bucket list filled with summer kid activities in OKC outside of the great Science Museum, Zoo and other usuals. 

Bucketlist for Fun Summer Kid Activities in OKC

Visit the Edmond History Museum

If you have younger kids, the children’s play area inside the museum is such a hidden gem. An old western themed city for play along with areas with toy trains and more.

The museum is free to visit and gives kids plenty of opportunities for hands-on play and exploration while learning a little Oklahoma history along the way. And always go down the slide at Stephenson Park right outside.

Spend a Day at The Station in Moore

If your kids love water and you want to burn off some energy, The Station in Moore is worth adding to your list. It’s fairly affordable and a great way to get some sun and water play. They do have weekly toddler only time which is awesome if you have littles and want to enjoy the water without worry about being knocked over.

Go Pick Fresh Fruit

Few things taste better in the summer than fresh fruit picked by you! Check out these local blueberry and black berry farms here or visit Windrift Peach Orchard. 

Plan to Attend Evening Swim at Pelican Bay

Oklahoma summer afternoons can be brutal. So an evening swim is often much more enjoyable and gives you a chance to soak up some summer fun without the bright sun and heat. The Tuesday/Thursday night swims at Pelican Bay have been a favorite activity for ours. (we are eagerly hoping they open up in July for sure!)

Visit Five Different Splash Pads

Add a mini adventure challenge to the summer and visit splash pads all around the city! There are so many great spray gounds / splash pads around the Oklahoma City metro that you could easily spend the summer exploring new ones. Let your kids rate each one and decide on a favorite at the end of the season.

Popsicles at the Park

Simple but one I bet your kids might say was their favorite! Grab a box of popsicles, head to a local park, and invite a friend or two to join you. Sometimes the best summer memories are truly are the simplest ones.

Schedule a Family Photo Session

Yes, I am bias so yes I will say this! But hear me out.

So much of summer happens in a blur. And in that blur you miss documenting the freckles, the missing teeth, the wet swimsuits, the scraped knees, the way your kids hold your hand right now. A family photo session gives you a chance to freeze a tiny piece of it before everyone grows a little more.

Do a Day Pass to Okana

Want to really make your kids day but don’t want to drive 9 hours to the beach? Then grab day passes for everyone to Oklahoma City’s newest attraction, Okana. 

Create an Oklahoma City Ice Cream Tour

One of my favorite summer treats is Ice Cream! So I thought this one would be super fun with choosing a different local ice cream shop every week or two throughout the summer. Really this one might be more for me than my kids! Check out these local favorites:

• Boom Town Creamery
• Roxy’s Ice Cream Social
• Capitals Ice Cream
• Bruams

Visit a Local Festival

Summer is packed with festivals throughout Oklahoma. From the Watermelon Festival in Rush Springs to the Porter Peach Festival, to Stars & Stripes Water Festival at the OKC Boathosue to Summer Solistic at the First Americans Mueseum, there’s a  fun excuse to get out of the house and experience something new together all summer long.

Watch an Outdoor Movie

Check out local outdoor movie events around the metro or make a night of visiting one of Oklahoma’s drive-in theaters. Bring blankets, drinks and snacks, and let the kids stay up late. Oh and don’t forget the bug spray!

Visit One of Oklahoma’s Natural Gems

We have some incredible places right here in our own state and our family has really enjoyed getting to know the state with visiting these places. These spots are perfect for exploring, hiking, wildlife watching, and showing kids a different side of Oklahoma.

• The Wichita Mountains
• Sulphur and the Chickasaw National Recreation Area
• The Great Salt Plains

Take a Short Road Trip

Oklahoma City is situated in a perfect spot for many great road trip destinations within 2-4 hours. Don’t forget to add Dallas or Norwest Arkansas to your list if needed.

Tulsa – Spend a day at the incredible Gathering Place, visit museums, and explore downtown.

Wichita – Families can enjoy the Exploration Place (science museum membership is reciprocal), the botanical gardens (myriad gardens museum is reciprocal too!), and the zoo for a fun overnight trip.

Visit A New Outdoor Restaurant

As often as we can we eat outside in the summer! Check out my list of family-friendly outdoor dining spots around Oklahoma City and try a few new places throughout the season.

Kids (and the adults with them!) tend to enjoy eating out a little more when they have room to move and explore.

Let Your Kids Attend a Fun Summer Activity or Camp

It can get exhausting to be the willing filling up every minute of your kids days so check out some of the great camps and classes for kids around the metro. From theater at Edmond Youth Theater to themed week camps for littles by Connected Love and Learning to gymnastic camps at Metro Gymnastics or do a pottery class or art class there’s a lot fun for any kids interests. 

Check out OddBall Academy

Oddball academy is a “place for future inventors to play, learn and build.” If your kid loves watch Mark Rober on Youtube then this is a must visit this summer! It’is your spot for getting to nerd out, learn cool things and have fun.

Hope you enjoyed this bucket list for summer kid activities in OKC and you might enjoy these other posts:

• summer activities with toddler
• Fun Family Activities in Oklahoma City

The Blog Post Was Written By

Charis Elisabeth

Charis is an Oklahoma City photographer providing timeless, storytelling family and newborn photography to sentimental families in Edmond, Oklahoma City, Yukon, Midwest City Norman, Moore and the broader Central Oklahoma area. As a certified and award winning photographer, Charis specializes in at-home, documentary photo sessions and is considered one of the premier Oklahoma Newborn Photographers. As a mom of 3, Charis is passionate about connecting with other local moms and ensuring that you have the resources you need to thrive in motherhood.