Looking forward to warmer days? Here's your ultimate OKC summer bucket list
Warm summer days are approaching, and with them the ever-looming threat of boredom.
So whether you're a parent looking to entertain kids this summer, a college student on break, or just someone who wants to make the most of the season, we have some ideas.
From spending time in the water to exploring the city, here's your summer 2024 Oklahoma City bucket list.
Whitewater rafting at OKC Riversport
Hit the water in the heart of Oklahoma City at RIVERSPORT Adventure Parks, where you can go whitewater rafting, surfing, kayaking, tubing or paddle boarding. There's also a zipline across the Oklahoma River, a bike park, 80-foot ropes course and a kids zone.
Inside, check out the climbing walls or the indoor ski slope. A $60 day pass gets you access to any adventure you choose, whether on the water, on land or in the sky.
See a movie at Winchester Drive-In
For the perfect summer night that takes you back in time, check out a double feature at the Winchester Drive-In, operating seasonally since 1968.
The Winchester is a cash-only business, but an ATM is available on-site so you can be sure to get your movie popcorn cravings satisfied from the concession stand.
Explore Martin Park Nature Center
With 2.5 miles of woodland trails, a Visitor Center with live animals, a nature learning library and nature-themed playground, Martin Park Nature Center is the perfect place to explore the outdoors without leaving the city.
Oklahoma City Museum of Art
At the Oklahoma City Museum of Art, visitors can see a handful of permanent collections including American Art, European Art, photography, post-war and contemporary art, among others.
The museum also features several rotating exhibitions, including five decades of Dale Chiluly's glass work on exhibit through January 2025.
Ride the water taxi along the Bricktown Canal
One of Oklahoma City's most popular tourism destinations, the Bricktown Canal water taxi gives visitors and Oklahoma City natives alike new perspectives during a narrated tour of Bricktown.
Oklahoma City Zoo's Sip and Stroll
On Fridays in May and June, guests 21 and over are invited to the Oklahoma City Zoo for "Sip and Stroll," an after-hours event that highlights five areas of the zoo with "up-close animal experiences, beverages, and food inspired by wildlife and wild places!"
And of course, during the day, the Oklahoma City Zoo is a living museum of 1900 animals and botanical gardens. From the Cat Forest to the Great EscApe to the 20,000-square-foot butterfly garden, the OKC Zoo has something for everyone.
Watch the OKC Baseball Club at Bricktown Ballpark
While the Oklahoma City Baseball Club has yet to announce its new name, formerly the OKC Dodgers, the team is still entertaining fans at the Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark this summer. Here's where you can get tickets.
Scissortail Park Farmers Market
While Scissortail Park is an active downtown oasis year-round, a summer favorite is the Scissortail Park Farmers Market, held on the promenade from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. every Saturday between the months of April and October.
Take a bike tour around OKC
If you prefer to see the sights of Oklahoma City from behind the handlebars, make sure to schedule a tour with Ride OKC, which offers tours focused on art and architecture tours, local brews, or a custom tour to fit your groups needs.
You can also rent bikes to take on your own adventure, whether that's around the lake or for lunch in Midtown.
Experience the summer solstice at First Americans Museum
Don't miss the summer solstice celebration on June 20, 2024 at the First Americans Museum. Enjoy dancing, cultural demonstrations and reflections, and watch the sun set at the peak of the First Americans Museum mound.
The event is free to attend and photography is encouraged. While you're there, make plans to visit the museum during the day to learn about the collective histories of the 39 federally recognized tribes that now call Oklahoma home.
Museum of Osteology
Make no bones about it, this is one of the coolest museums in Oklahoma City. Visit Skeletons: Museum of Osteology to see the museum's resident cat Sir Indiana Bones, as well as more than 450 real skeletons from around the world.
Glamping at Orr Family Farm
Best known for its pumpkin patch and family-friendly fall activities, Orr Family Farm is also a year-round destination with glamping options for families who want a night away.
When you're not relaxing at your own Conestoga wagon tent, there are plenty of activities including the upcoming Strawberry Festival, ropes course, barn burner slide, petting zoo and pony rides.
Ride the Wheeler Ferris Wheel
Catch unparalleled views of the Oklahoma River and the downtown skyline atop the Wheeler Ferris Wheel, located in the Wheeler District, and check out the calendar for upcoming events including weekly farmers markets, fitness classes and bike races.
Catch skyline views while dining at Vast
If you're looking to take your significant other for a nice dinner this summer, or just want to have a special night with friends, head downtown and then up to the 49th floor of the Devon Tower.
You'll need reservations to eat at Vast, a AAA Four Diamond Restaurant, where you can enjoy lunch, dinner, dessert and cocktails, all while looking out at vast views over Oklahoma City.
Take a cooking class at Belle's Kitchen
Belle's Kitchen is both a place to get your sweet tooth fix, and learn how to bake the sweet goodies the bakery is known for.
The bakery offers a variety of cooking and baking classes, for kids and adults alike, including macarons, doughnuts, cake pops, to savory date night dishes like ravioli and Greek meatballs.
This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Things to do in OKC: The ultimate summer 2024 bucket list