Springtime in OKC means free fun galore! From park picnics to cultural gems, we've got the scoop on the best cost-free activities. Ready to dive into budget-friendly adventures? Let's explore.

 

Learning Adventures

Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum

  • The Oklahoma National Guard Museum is dedicated to Oklahoma military history with a focus on World War II. It houses the country’s third-largest collection of historic U.S. military firearms, and the outdoor Thunderbird Park is 15 acres surrounding the museum complex, which has wheeled vehicles, full track vehicles, tanks and aircrafts on display.
  • Located outside the Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum, the Outdoor Symbolic Memorial stands on the now-sacred ground where the events of April 19, 1995 unfolded.  While the museum requires admission, the Outdoor Symbolic Memorial, which holds the Field of Empty Chair and the Survivor Tree, is free.
  • You can see locomotives, passenger cars and motor cars at the Oklahoma Railway Museum. If you would like to ride the trains, you will have to purchase a ticket. But admission to the museum is free.
  • Explore the diverse and authentic pieces of artwork created by First American artists in the Horizons District at Exhibit C Gallery. For those interested in contemporary art, explore the rotating and permanent exhibits at Oklahoma Contemporary Arts Center. 
  • The National Softball Hall of Fame and Museum is the place to learn about the sport’s greatest athletes, coaches and umpires. For even more sports history, be inspired by Oklahoma athletes and learn about sports history at the Oklahoma Sports Hall of Fame and Jim Thorpe Museum. 

 

Enjoying the Outdoors

Wheeler District

  • Take a walk down Automobile Alley and be on the lookout for Factory Obscura–a quirky, brightly painted building with an interactive boom box that is visible from the street. It has large, working buttons and can be used all day long.
  • For outdoor mural viewing, the Plaza Walls project in the Plaza District makes for a great spot for an art walk. Snap a picture in front of your favorite, and visit OKC's most Instagrammable spots for event more photo ops!
  • Scissortail Park is an urban oasis, offering endless opportunities to roam, exercise, relax, play and enjoy nature. The children’s areas invite imagination and exploration with opportunities to climb, crawl, jump, splash and spin. Lake Hefner is another beautiful spot to walk and enjoy the scenery.
  • Grab your friends and head out to the Myriad Gardens for a serene walking tour offered on the last Saturday of every month. You can also participate in Myriad in Motion which is a place for enthusiasts of all levels to center, recharge and reconnect with nature, also offered on the last Saturday of every month.
  • Oklahoma City has a network of 10 interconnected trails that lead to nearly every part of the city, totaling up to 80 miles of non-motorized trails. Explore the top trails in OKC.
  • Will Rogers Gardens is a city park and educational center offering family-friendly workshops and classes on gardening and horticulture as well as boasting a large variety of plant species for you to view. 
  • For skateboarders, inline skaters and BMX riders of all skill levels, the Mat Hoffman Action Sports Park offers both a bowl and street course. For beginning and intermediate skateboarders and skaters, the Route 66 Park and South Lakes Skate Court provide rails, slides and above-ground ramps. 
  • Enjoy a picnic in the Wheeler District and take a rest on the hammocks. They also have outdoor games on the lawn near the Wheeler Ferris Wheel that are available to the public.

 

Free Spring Events

2024 Tulip Festival

  • Kick off your St. Patrick's Day celebrations with a parade at Historic Stockyards City. Led by the Slash O Ranch Longhorns, the parade is a celebration of Oklahoma Irish heritage and the western culture of Stockyards City. The family-friendly event takes place Saturday, March 15 at 10 a.m. 
  • Check out the Tulip Festival on March 29-30 at the Myriad Botanical Gardens. Can someone say, "photo op?"
  • What's better than a free event? How about a dog-friendly free event? Live! on the Pawza will feature live entertainment, tasty food, art shows and shopping on April 11!
  • The annual Paseo Arts Festival is a can't-miss event. Gather your people, and get ready for three days of art, food and drink, live music and so much more. The event offers free admission to all guests and will take place May 24-26.