Get the best of both worlds for your summer vacation by discovering the spectacular attractions Oklahoma has to offer without breaking the bank. With the obligation to save money, it can be hard to justify spending loads of money on a satisfying vacation for you, your family, or your friends. Despite this, we know how important it is to relax and to make long-lasting memories with family and friends.
With this in mind, we have put together a list of inexpensive summer vacation activities and places right here in Oklahoma! From swimming in state parks to impressive museums and galleries, there is something that caters to everyone’s interests.
- Museums
Oklahoma has a plethora of heritage, landmark, art, science, and child-friendly museums that will keep everyone on the trip entertained with interactive experiences and rich history at an affordable rate. Some of our favorites include the Oklahoma City Museum of Art, the Museum of Osteology, and the Oklahoma History Center, all in Oklahoma City.
- Pools and Swimming Holes
Cool off and enjoy a picnic with family and friends at Oklahoma’s natural water holes and state park pools that are available to the public for free or at a low cost! Blue Hole Park is known for its refreshing and clear waters, and Boiling Springs Park is just $4 per swimmer and free for ages 2 and under!
- Summer Food Festivals
There is nothing like free samples of delicious, local food on a hot summer day! In Oklahoma, there are several food festivals throughout the summer that have free admission and offer free samples from local vendors for you and your companions to try. Some popular ones include the Stilwell Strawberry Festival in May, the Fort Gibson Sweet Corn Festival in June, and the Mcloud Blackberry Festival in July!
- Wildlife Refuges
Want to experience the excitement of wildlife viewing and an unmatched landscape without paying for a full day at the zoo? Visit one of Oklahoma’s wildlife refuges that offers a wide variety of hiking trails and wildlife experiences, like the Wichita Mountain Wildlife Refuge or the Salt Plains National Wildlife Refuge!
- Concerts, Shows, and Movies
Live it up in Oklahoma with free live music during the Scissortail Summer Concert Series, free art performances by Art Moves in various OK cities, and bargain movie tickets at the Summer Movie Fun Series at Harkins Theater in June. These events are perfect for those who want to enjoy the summer nightlife that Oklahoma has to offer on a budget!