Summer is in full force, and with temperatures reaching into the 90s, you’re probably looking for fun ways to keep cool. Oklahoma is full of “cool” places, and the best part is, they don’t cost a dime. Consider visiting some of these spots that are perfect for cooling off on a hot summer day:

Tulsa Water Playgrounds, Splash Pads and Pools
Tulsa’s water playgrounds are open to the public from noon to 8pm during summer months. Take your kids to any one of the 12 water playground locations for a day of summer fun.

Splash pads are also a fun (and free) way to cool off. Visit one of the 18 locations, all open from noon to 8pm.

Two of Tulsa’s community pools, Berry Pool and Whiteside Pool, have free admission. See the Tulsa Parks 2018 Splash Guide for information about pool hours, special pool events, swim lessons, and more.

Oklahoma City Spray Grounds and Pools
Cool off for free at Oklahoma City Spray Grounds. All 16 locations are open to the public from 10am to 8pm daily May 26th to August 12th, and from 10am to 8pm weekends only from August 18th to 26th.

Both Oklahoma City Community Pools, the Northeast Pool and Woodson Pool, are free to the public. Enjoy swimming in these pools while they’re open from mid-June until the end of July.

Illinois River
The Illinois River, “said to be the best canoe stream in the state,” is a beautiful spot to cool off. Enjoy swimming, fishing, canoeing, kayaking and rafting. Bring your own canoe, kayak or raft to float the river for free, or rent one at one of the float trip outfitters that can be found along state highway 10 north.

Chickasaw National Recreation Area
Located in the foothills of the Arbuckle Mountains, Chickasaw National Recreation Area is a perfect place to take a day trip this summer. There is no fee to enter, and visitors will find multiple beautiful places to swim in the park, including the Lake of the Arbuckles, Veterans Lake, Travertine Creek and Rock Creek.

Oklahoma has lots of “cool” places like these where you can beat the heat for free. For help funding your pricier summer activities, Contact Global Loans!