Whether you're a mom looking for fun things to do with their kids while school's out, a single or couple looking for adventure that's close by, or a local looking for places to send visitors when they come calling, the OKC metro area has plenty to offer.
Following is a short list of places that should appeal to young and old (and everyone in between).
DESTINATIONS FOR WATER LOVERS
Lake Thunderbird State Park offers swimming, fishing, camping and more. Its Calypso Cove Marina is a full-service marina with fuel dock (if you have your own boat) and watersports rentals, including pontoon boats, canoes and pedal boats. The marina is located at 100 Calypso Cove Ave., Norman, OK 73026
Have fun and get wet at Riversport OKC riversportokc.org, offering whitewater rafting, a zip line, adventure & more! Family fun for all ages. 800 Riversport Drive, Oklahoma City
Cleveland County boasts many great parks and splashpads for kids and families, including Little River Park, which features a FREE, fantastic pirate-themed splashpad and park with walking trail next door. Ahoy there! 700 SW 4th St., Moore, OK 73160
A favorite daytrip destination for locals is scenic Turner Falls in the heart of the Arbuckle Mountains, in Davis. It's an adventurous and family-friendly destination with lots of opportunities to get wet. Davis, OK 73030
EDUCATIONAL
On the first and third Saturdays of July and August, the Oklahoma Railway Museum offers train rides in historic passenger coaches pulled by vintage diesel locomotives. 3400 Northeast Grand Blvd., Oklahoma City 73111 OklahomaRailwayMuseum.org
The Sam Noble Museum at the University of Oklahoma inspires minds to understand the world through collection-based research, interpretation and education. And the kids will LOVE the section on dinosaurs, trust me! 2401 Chautauqua Ave, Norman, OK 73072 SamNobleMuseum.ou.edu
GENERAL INTEREST
Visit the Wheeler District WheelerDistrict.com/work/#directory, an entirely new urban district offering a mix of live/work/play spaces like shops, a brewery and restaurants, farmers' market (6-9 p.m. Fridays) and concerts. They even have a cool Ferris Wheel! 1701 S. Western Ave., Oklahoma City 73019