For those looking to save a few dollars on their mid-semester vacation, we’ve rounded up some great free activities that are sure to please everyone this spring break. With such a diverse set of attractions in the Modern Frontier, it’s easy to find something to enjoy, even if you’re on a tight budget.
The Arts
Honored as America’s #1 city for street art, Oklahoma City has great options for anyone looking to get a glimpse of some beautiful works of art at no cost. Plaza Walls, the remarkable paintings that decorate the alleyways of OKC’s Plaza District, is an impressive outdoor exhibition that is free to walk through and open to the public at all hours. The Plaza Walls are repainted once every year and are the most accessible art gallery in the city.
For a more traditional art experience, head over to the Oklahoma Contemporary Arts Center. Admission is free for all, and the museum has an impressive collection of works by local, national and international artists. Mexican sculptor Gonzalo Lebrija’s Breve historia del tiempo will reside in the Campbell Art Park until March 27, with “The Art of Food: From the Collections of Jordan D. Schnitzer and His Family Foundation” coming to the arts center on February 9.
The 21C Museum Hotel has a fun, whimsical art gallery that is free to the public, showcasing unique artwork unlike any around the state’s capital.
Speaking of the capital, the Oklahoma State Capital also holds free art tours. Head to the beautiful capital building to learn about the state through its art galleries.
Outdoors
As the weather starts to warm up again, you’ll want to be outside to experience some of the gorgeous spring temperatures. Luckily, Oklahoma City has a host of expansive outdoor spaces that are free to enjoy.
In Northwest OKC, Lake Hefner is a fun place to go for a walk, take a bike ride or get out on the water. With four restaurants in the area, it’s the perfect spot to end your day and see a breathtaking sunset across the water. Lake Overholser also provides a fantastic place for families to walk their dog, go kayaking or set up a picnic. Lake Stanley Draper is another top spot for outdoor recreation, including fishing, cycling or walking along the paved trails or model airplane flying.
In the downtown area, it doesn’t cost any money to take a stroll through the beautiful Myriad Gardens at any time of day. In the spring, the flowers will be in full bloom, creating a beautiful walking trail perfect for a midday jaunt. The same can be said for nearby Scissortail Park, a free access, 70-acre, sprawling urban park complete with a dog park, soccer fields, basketball courts, walking trails, a playground and more.
Chisholm Creek, a fun center of commerce with lots of restaurants and shops in northwest OKC, is also a great place to spend the day outdoors. In addition to the businesses in the area, there is a life- sized chess board that makes for a perfect (and free) group activity.
Museums
Brush up on your Oklahoma history at no cost this Spring break by visiting the Oklahoma Hall of Fame and the Jim Thorpe Museum in the Oklahoma Sports Hall of Fame. The Oklahoma Hall of Fame tells the story of Oklahoma by highlighting the spectacular individuals who have helped shape the state we call home. The Jim Thorpe Museum features artifacts and memorabilia from the legendary athlete, giving visitors a deeper insight into the incredible accomplishments of this local legend.
