Don't Miss These Oklahoma City Outdoor Summer Activities

Whether you’re looking for something to do with your friends from out of town or want to try something new for a family adventure, summertime is an exciting time to get outside.

We’ve gathered a list of events happening throughout Oklahoma City to get you out the door and enjoying the season. While you’re having fun, don’t forget to slather on the sunscreen!

Get your blood pumping

Getting motivated to move outside for your regularly scheduled exercise or starting a new routine feels easier in warmer weather. Take advantage of what OKC has to offer and conquer those fitness goals.

Following your trail

Find your perfect running shoes and lace them up for a lap or two around Oklahoma City’s running trails. Whether you’re a fan of the lake scenery and boats at Lake Hefner or the luscious landscape of the Myriad Gardens, inspiration takes hold as you step onto the path. When you’re looking for the right trail, check out the guide from visitokc.com.  

Running your race

Now that you’re out running those trails, maybe it’s time to train for a 5K race. You can find races happening in locations across OKC by searching Active.com. You might like the Sizzling Summer Series, which is three races in three locations featuring a hot race, a hotter race, and a hottest race.

If having fun and playing with colored foam is more your speed, maybe Foam Glow 2018 is for you. Start the race wearing white and by the end, you’ll look like you were dipped in tie dye.

Yoga in the park

Each month you can work your body "yoga style" at Earlywine Park. On the first Saturday of each month from May through October, all ages and proficiency levels are welcome to join a session free of charge. Starting at 9 a.m., a volunteer from one of the local studios will be on hand to guide you through the motions. All you need is your mat and water bottle. For more information, visit their Facebook group, Yoga in the Park – Moore.

Splish, splash in OKC

When you dream of summertime, do you think of water? Do you dream of swimming pools filled with chilly water or splash pads with spurts and gushes? Both adults and children crave time spent in water when it’s hot and OKC has many options available.

If your water adventures need to be exciting, you can try White Water Bay. With rides and slides for the whole family, as well as Dive-in Movies, adventure is never far away.

Row, row, row your boat

In the heart of downtown Oklahoma City's Boathouse District you’ll find Riversport Adventures. During your visit you can learn to tube, whitewater raft, kayak, paddleboard and much more. With a zip line, high-speed slides, and climbing walls, a day pass will keep you busy for hours.

Choose your adventure with food and experiences

Step out of your house and your comfort zone with new foods at events and locations across the city.

Experience the Annual Chuck Wagon Festival

At the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum, you can step back through time to the days of the old west during the Annual Chuck Wagon Festival. With chuck wagon food samples, demonstrations by western artisans, live music, trick roping, and so much more – you’ll wonder if you even want to return to modern-day Oklahoma.

Meet a local farmer

Find fresh, local produce and more at farmers markets across the city. For a list of where to go, check out our blog Oklahoma City Metro Farmers Markets. If you find food you’ve never tried, maybe you can even grill it in a new, adventurous way.

Food on the move

Join the fun and festive feeling by trying food from a truck. Stop by places like Delmar Gardens for a constantly shifting series of food trucks and park-like atmosphere. If the parks are more than you’re looking for, keep your eyes open when you visit popular food truck neighborhoods like Automobile Alley or Film Row for a sampling of the fare on wheels.

The highlight of the Oklahoma City food truck scene is the Annual H&8^th event. While it started out as a monthly event when it exploded onto the Oklahoma City food scene, it is now held annually and is one of the biggest food truck events in the country.

Entertainment and learning for the whole family

Share a Shakespearean experience with your loved ones or go on a date to a movie on a giant outdoor lawn. Like many physical activities, chances to laugh and learn head outside during the summer.

Spend time with the Bard

Each summer, four plays are performed by Oklahoma Shakespeare in the Park. During the 2018 season, two of the plays will be by Shakespeare, while two are a different kind of classic. See how the plays were meant to be seen with your family and friends this summer.

When the big screen moves outside

Catching a flick under the stars is an experience unlike any other. This summer, you can catch a popular show at the Winchester Drive-In Theater. Blankets and lawn chairs under the stars plus a full-service concession for “hot food and cold refreshments” could be just the adventure you need.

Another option is a summertime movie under the stars at one of OKC's parks. Catch family favorites downtown at the Myriad Botanical Gardens, in Edmond at Mitch Park and Stephenson Park, or in Moore at the Central Park Amphitheater. For more information check out visitokc.com.

Walk on the wild side

The Oklahoma City Zoo is the top place to visit “our world’s vanishing wildlife.” Find an educational experience to attend, like summer camp or the Bugs and Blooms Family Overnight. If you’re looking for a less structured day at the zoo, simply buy a ticket and begin to explore the grounds with a map.

What else can you do?

With so many summertime activities happening around Oklahoma City, there is no way we can list them all. Ask around and search for events happening at local parks, churches, or neighborhood associations. Outdoor concerts and other art events are waiting to be discovered!