No summer is complete until you've taken a few trips to water parks in Oklahoma. There's something about riding waterslides, floating lazy rivers, or dodging waves in the wave pool that makes you feel like a kid again. Whether you go for the kids or you're still a kid at heart, check out these Oklahoma water parks to take your summer to a whole new level.
Located on the grounds of Frontier City in Oklahoma City, this Oklahoma water park takes fun to a whole new level. This five-story-tall structure has eight slides, a 1,000-gallon bucket of water that tips over on all who want to get wet, and lots of other fun Western-themed toys. Learn more about Frontier City and Wild West Water Works.
Get ready to wind your way down two slides into a massive pool, then take a few laps in the swimming lanes. If relaxing is more your style, grab a lounge chair and bask in the sun at one of the best water parks in Oklahoma. Find out what else you can do in a visit to Woodward.
For a little something different in an Oklahoma water park, head to this inflatable floating one for not only some playtime on the apparatus but also some wakeboarding. And for those who just want to totally relax, there is also a sandy beach. Find out more about Wake Zone Cable Park.
For a day of fun in the sun, enjoy the 150-foot waterslides, climbing wall, diving board, lap lanes, pools, mini lazy river, and kiddie land. It's the perfect Oklahoma water park to cool off and stay wet! Learn more about what you can do at Pelican Bay Aquatic Center.
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5. 7 Clans First Council Casino and Indoor Waterpark
Slots and slides, anyone? At the First Council Casino in Newkirk, you can actually do just that. Enjoy four waterslides, a lazy river, and more! Learn more about 7 Clans First Council Casino and Indoor Waterpark.
Oklahoma's largest municipal pool is not just a pool. It's filled with 20,000 square feet of water, multiple slides, and a unique aquatic structure. It's a great water park in Oklahoma. Find out more about the City of Miami Waterpark.
Editor's note: Unfortunately, this site is permanently closed. Located in the former Big Splash Waterpark, Safari Joe’s H20 has brought new life and attractions to this Tulsa attraction. Take a relaxing ride down the lazy river, ride Oklahoma’s only water roller coaster, glide down one of three water flumes, ride the waves in the wave pool or enjoy the new reptile attractions.
8. Aqua Park/Wibit @ Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park, Keystone Lake
The Aqua Park at Jellystone Park on Keystone Lake is filled with tons of fun. Jump, climb, slide, fall, walk, swim, or do just about any other activity at this massive Oklahoma water park. Get more details on Jellystone Park.
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Have you ever been to any of these water parks in Oklahoma? What are your favorite Oklahoma theme parks?
Oklahoma is a state that doesn’t get enough credit, well, just about anywhere; first and foremost, what some would merely wave off as “flyover country” is actually a gorgeous, rich place full of history, natural wonders, and more. Oh, and did we mention we get all four seasons? Yep – we sure do. Autumn is quickly approaching and we bet you’re already on the lookout for amazing things to do in Oklahoma in the fall – and that’s where we come in. Check out this ultimate, epic list of the best Oklahoma fall activities for the entire family. Fall in love with the Sooner State this season – let's explore!
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Oklahoma Fall Foliage: Where To Go In Oklahoma For Fall Foliage
One of the most well-documented and well-loved parts of autumn is, of course, the amazing foliage. Lucky for us Okies, our state comes alive with brilliant color right around every October. By late September, the leaves have begun their transition – and by the end of October, it’s just about over. It’s a fleeting time, but goodness, it’s beautiful – so here are a few of the best places to go in Oklahoma for fall foliage.
Wow Factor: This amazing Oklahoma state park is filled top-to-bottom with some of the world’s most beautiful forestry, and in the fall, it comes ablaze in golds, oranges and reds.
Need To Know: Oklahoma state parks do not charge an entry fee – and Roman Nose State Park doesn’t charge parking fees. Score!
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If you’re craving an autumnal adventure, the amazing state park in Oklahoma known as Roman Note State Park is ready and waiting. With endless camping, hiking, and recreation opportunities, this amazing little slice of paradise is at its best in the fall. It’s BEYOND beautiful – it's painterly, like something out of a movie more than the lil’ ol’ Sooner State. Camping is especially wonderful – after all, you get to wake up to some of Oklahoma’s best fall colors.
Wow Factor: This lengthy but utterly incredible hike shows off some of the best fall colors the entire Sooner State has to offer – and from such photogenic views!
Need To Know: Park at the Picnic/Swimming Area at Cedar Lake State Park. From there, look for the white blazes – they're tough to miss! There is a small day use fee of $5 per vehicle or $2 for folks arriving on foot, so plan accordingly.
If you’re looking for the perfect autumn hike in Oklahoma, look no further – you found it. This awesome hike is nestled deep in Ouachita State Forest in and around Cedar Lake, and despite its length, it’s ever so worth it. It’s an 11-mile loop, but don’t let that deter you – this amazing hike is worth every single step! It’s considered a challenging route, though, with some rocks that need clambering over – so leave the small ones at home for this one.
Wow Factor: What’s better than a 77-foot-tall waterfall in Oklahoma? A 77-fool-tall waterfall in Oklahoma surrounded by a blaze of incredible autumn color, that’s what.
Need To Know: Daily admission tickets are needed per person; up until September 30th, adults are $16-$20 and children under 13 are $9-$16. After September 30th and all through autumn and winter, adults are $9-$12 and kids under 13 are $6-$9. These prices can vary depending on a variety of factors, so check ahead of time before you go.
Turner Falls is easily one of Oklahoma’s most beautiful waterfalls – and its most famous! This incredible, 77-foot-tall behemoth of a cascade is probably the Sooner State’s most iconic natural wonder, and when it’s surrounded by fall color, it somehow achieves the impossible: it gets even better. Visiting Turner Falls is a spectacle year-round, but in the fall, it becomes almost surreal – like something from a movie rather than the American plains.
Best Autumn Towns In Oklahoma
You’ve heard of, say, cute little winter towns, but what about autumn towns? Leaves-a-changing, crisp, cool air, festivals, events, community – sounds wonderful to us. Great news: there are plenty of small towns in Oklahoma that love to go all-out for the season, and those places definitely deserve a shout-out. Here are a couple of the best places in Oklahoma to visit in the fall – which ones are your favorites? Let us know!
Wow Factor: Nestled in the Kiamichi Valley between the Kiamichi and Winding Stair Mountains, this awe-inspiring little town is so much more than just beautiful – there's always something autumnal going on ‘round here, too.
Need To Know: Drive the Talimena National Scenic Byway while you’re here, and time your visit to coincide with the epic Talihina Fall Foliage Festival for the best fall adventure ever.
When it comes to amazing autumn towns in Oklahoma, you can’t get much more amazing than Talihina, which is easily one of THE most scenic small towns in Oklahoma. Located in close proximity to one of the best scenic drives in the nation and surrounded by beautiful forest that comes to brilliant life in the fall, you can’t go wrong with a weekend spent here – and if you time your adventure to take place during any of the awesome fall festivals in Oklahoma, you’ll get even better mileage out of your trip!
Wow Factor: Nestled in the mountains, this gorgeous foresty town comes to life like none other when fall colors are at their finest. What’s better than a small town in Oklahoma? A small town in Oklahoma surrounded in golds, reds and oranges.
Need To Know: Medicine Park is nicknamed “America’s Cobblestone Community” and has a few notable autumn festivals worth attending, such as the annual Artwalk and Flute Festival.
If you're like us and always on the lookout for seasonal delights like the best autumn towns in Oklahoma, Medicine Park deserves a place on your to-see list. Surrounded by woods and looking absolutely astonishing in autumn, this gorgeous little town features “Cobblestone Row”, which is downtown and features a number of unique shops and eateries you’ll only ever find here.
Wow Factor: Most small towns in Oklahoma have just one or two autumn-themed attractions. This entire TOWN gets in on the fun – and it’s shrouded top to bottom in brilliant color!
Need To Know: Time your visit to be during The Castle of Muskogee Halloween Festival, which is one of the most popular autumn festivals in the entire state!
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If you were to ask an Okie about the best Halloween town in Oklahoma, chances are the first place that’ll come to mind is Muskogee, a town that takes autumn VERY seriously (in the funnest way possible). Get in costume and join the entire town in celebrating all things Spooky Season, with train rides, haunted houses, jack-o-lanterns, and more.
Best Pumpkin Patches In Oklahoma
What list of autumnal shenanigans would be complete without mentioning the best pumpkin patches in Oklahoma? None. And trust us – considering the sheer number of options, it's tough to decide which ones to go with. We Okies take our autumn seriously because we’ve all just gotta get out and do things the second the first leaf in the state turns yellow. It’s a family-friendly tradition that goes way back – so let’s explore a couple of the best:
Wow Factor: Often considered by Sooners to be the best pumpkin patch in Oklahoma, this awesome family-run working farm offers up hundreds of pumpkins, sunflowers, corn mazes and more – it's autumn galore!
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Need To Know: Day passes and season passes are available – visit the official website to purchase ahead of time (and for the most up-to-date pricing).
With fire pits, a petting zoo, and one of the best pumpkin patches in Oklahoma, you really can’t ever go wrong with an afternoon trip to Parkhurst Ranch, where you’ll find the legendary Parkhurst Pumpkin Patch waiting for you and the kids to show up for the best autumn day ever. The kids can ride a pony, pick a pumpkin and roast hot dogs over an evening bonfire, or you can wander the corn maze with your special someone for the perfect fall date night.
Wow Factor: This old family-run farm is more than 100 years old and knows its stuff about making every autumn the best autumn ever. It’s also affordable!
Need To Know: General admission is $12 and includes the corn maze, a petting zoo, the pumpkin patch, the farmyard, and unlimited train rides. Score! The farm is closed on Mondays, so plan accordingly.
P-Bar Farms is actually known for having the best corn maze in Oklahoma, but its lovely pumpkin patch is also worth writing home about. Going all the way back to 1907, this amazing family farm has been serving up autumn awesomeness for decades now, and it’s excellent at what it does. If you’re on the brave side, you might want to check out P-Bar Farms After Dark, which is a spooky haunted version of the otherwise idyllic corn maze! It’s so much fun it’s... scary.
Wow Factor: This epic farm is easily one of the most popular in the Sooner State. With tons of acreage to cover and a state-of-the-art corn maze, you cannot possibly go wrong by making this one a family tradition year after year.
Need To Know: A single day pass is $18.95 online and $21.95 at the gate. On Fridays, everyone’s $18.95! The season typically runs from the end of September to the end of October.
Annabelle’s Fun Farm has been called one of the best pumpkin patches in the US by more than one outlet, and we’re inclined to agree. With 30 amazing acres of all the traditional fall delights plus some unique stuff all its own, this fantastical escape from the real world is perfect for a family day out. A guest favorite is the homemade sodas, so be sure to try ‘em all – they're as fresh as can be. This is one of those awesome places the kids will never want to leave.
Best Fall Festivals In Oklahoma
Not only would no list of things to do in Oklahoma in the fall be complete without talking about pumpkin patches – it also wouldn’t be right to leave out the good ol’ fall festivals, either. Small towns are the best at this, we think, but don’t let that fool you – even Indianapolis can get in on the awesomeness of autumn from time to time. Whether in the big city or out in the sticks, you’re sure to find some truly wonderful fall festivals in Oklahoma worth traveling for.
Location: LeFlore County Fairgrounds, Poteau, Oklahoma
Wow Factor: Few things are as magical as a sky filled with hot air balloons. These festivals aren’t just for New Mexico anymore!
Need To Know: This year’s festivities take place on Friday, October 18th and Saturday, October 19th. On Friday, activities go from noon until 11 p.m., and on Saturday, activities go from 10 a.m. until 11 p.m.; admission is $5, and parking is $5.
This legendary hot air balloon festival in Oklahoma takes place each and every fall, and it makes for an awesome family tradition. Repeatedly named in the top five best things to do in Oklahoma in the fall by several sources, this amazing festival celebrates autumn in the most unique of ways: with hot air balloons, of course! Learn all about the surprisingly complex science of ballooning and get up-close and personal with your favorites.
Wow Factor: This family-friendly fall festival has been delighting Okies since 1988. You can expect all sorts of fun, rides, and attractions – and best of all, it’s FREE!
Need To Know: This fun, free fest is held on the last Saturday of September each and every year. It runs from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
With countless local vendors and shopkeepers as well as all sorts of fun rides and other shenanigans to get into, the Cushing Festival in the Park is an experience to be had. With roaming magicians, stage entertainment, crafts, music, food, and lots of other fun, you can’t go wrong. There’s a strong sense of community here, and you’ll feel every bit as part of the family as everyone else. Oh, and did we mention there’s a chili cook-off? Because there’s a chili cook-off.
Wow Factor: Going strong for 44 years, this epic festival is truly everything that’s right with the world right about now, with chili, cooler temperatures, and shorter days. Experience the best chili of your life at the best fall festival you’ve ever attended.
Need To Know: This year’s tasty festivities take place on September 6th and September 7th. Admission is free – bring your appetite!
Every autumn, the town of Pryor hosts its delicious annual Bluegrass and Chili Festival, which, yes – it's as awesome as it sounds. The Mid-America Regional Chili Cook-Off is the big star of the show, and you can sample all sorts of amazing chili concoctions from some of Oklahoma’s greatest chili-makers. Bluegrass makes for the perfect background soundtrack, too, and this delectable festival might just be one of our state’s best-sounding events. What’s more American than bluegrass and chili? Very little, that’s what.
Free & Cheap Oklahoma Fall Activities
Sometimes, money gets tight and we find ourselves on a budget – but worry not, friends! There are plenty of free and low-cost things to do in Oklahoma in the fall. Who says you can’t have fun without spending money? We sure don’t. Here are a few of the best things to do in Oklahoma this fall for free – which ones are your favorites? Let us know!
Wow Factor: Oklahoma never gets credit for its trees – but it should, especially in the fall, when entire forests are ablaze with color.
What better way to check out the amazing fall color that Oklahoma is so blessed to have than by doing an awesome Oklahoma fall colors road trip? We think none. From stunning Lake Tenkiller to our jaw-dropping state parks and forests, you can’t possibly go wrong. Highway 63 is another wonderfully idyllic option. Oh, and if you’ve never done the ol’ Talimena Scenic Byway by now, autumn is THE perfect time to check it out. It’s something amazing when it’s all awash in crimsons, golds and oranges.
Wow Factor: Few things are more beautiful than a lake in Oklahoma... except for that same lake in Oklahoma when surrounded by gorgeous, brilliant colors. With more than 200 incredible lakes to pick from, you’ll never run out of sights to see before all the foliage is gone.
Did you know that there are well over 200 lakes in Oklahoma? It’s true – and in the fall, they’re especially wondrous. There are few things quite as breathtaking as somewhere like Broken Bow Lake surrounded by fall color; Lake Hefner is another must-do at this time of year. With very affordable parking costs (if any at all), these kinds of places are perfect for an autumn day on a budget. Plus, who doesn’t love being blown away by the beauty of the Sooner State? We sure do.
Wow Factor: What better way to explore autumn colors than by being fully immersed in them? No matter which trail you choose, you’re in for a treat.
What’s the one thing that can make all the best hikes in Oklahoma even better? Easy – doing these hikes in the fall, surrounded by color and crisp air while the days get shorter and the nights get longer. Most of our trails are free, with no entry fees required – in some cases, only parking fees will apply. Given our amazing state parks being how they are, we think this might be one of THE best ways to enjoy autumn in Oklahoma.
There you have it – 15 amazing ideas for all the best things to do in Oklahoma this fall. Of course, this list is just the tip of the proverbial iceberg – the true extent of the Sooner State’s amazing autumn options is so much greater than we can include in a single article. So get out, explore, and be amazed – you never know what you’ll discover while you’re out and about. Oklahoma is amazing – and it’s time you fell in love with it all over again. What better time to do so than in the fall?
When people think about summer, they usually don’t think about somewhere like Oklahoma. But, honestly, perhaps they should – as it turns out, there are numerous Oklahoma summer activities that the folks who live here absolutely love and the folks who visit here ought to experience. If you’re looking for cheap things to do in Oklahoma in summer, family things to do in Oklahoma in summer, free things to do in Oklahoma in summer, or anything else, you’ve found it: the ultimate guide to things to do in Oklahoma in summer. Get the sunblock and let’s go!
Let’s be real about something: summer in Oklahoma is easily the best time of year. The severe weather season (spring) has passed, warm temperatures have taken over, and all the coolest vacation destinations are at their tip-top performance. If you’re searching for the perfect summer vacation destinations in Oklahoma, you’ll definitely want to try these ideas out.
Popularity: Varies; some spots are much-loved, others are hidden gems.
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Need To Know: Always pack sunscreen and drinking water; be sure to pack out what you pack in. Take nothing but photos, leave nothing but footprints. Respect our amazing ponds and lakes, and they’ll respect you right back.
There is an absurd number of swimming holes in Oklahoma; so many, in fact, that it’s impossible to list them all in a short paragraph or three. Some are more popular than others, like the Blue Hole Park in Salina, the Gage Artesian Beach in Gage, Turner Falls Park in Davis, and Medicine Park Creek in Medicine Park. However, there are some you’ll find are less well-known than others, and those ones tend to be the best, if you ask us. No matter what, no summer is ever complete without a dip in a swimming hole, be it all-natural or man-made.
Need To Know: Broken Bow is a much-beloved small town in Oklahoma situated right on, obviously, Broken Bow Lake. This park is considered the gateway to places like Beavers Bend State Park, so be sure to wear good, sturdy hiking shoes if you plan to explore on foot.
Broken Bow is the perfect summer town in Oklahoma for anyone looking for an experience that doesn’t actually scream OKLAHOMA. This town looks and feels more like a little mountain town you might find anywhere else but here – but lo and behold, you’re still within the Sooner State. From Broken Bow Lake to some of the best fishing, camping, and hiking in the state, this region is sure to make your summer plans spectacular.
Need To Know: This is not a place for boats, if that’s what you’re looking for. Typically, the park opens in April and stays open until fall. Always be sure to check the official Wake Zone Cable Park website for the most up-to-date hours, events, and more.
Have you ever wanted to go wakeboarding in Oklahoma but weren’t sure where to begin? We don’t blame you – there's no ocean anywhere around here, so to get our fix, we must go elsewhere. Enter the awesome Wake Zona Cable Park, an amazing little respite from the summer heat located in beautiful OKC. It’s more than just wakeboarding, though – you can also visit the awesomeness that is the onsite aquapark if that’s more your style. Either way, fun in the sun is on the menu this summer!
Best Lakes & Rivers To Visit In Oklahoma This Summer
Did you know that Oklahoma is home to more than 200 amazing lakes? It’s true – with 200+ stunning lakes, no less than 78,600 miles of rivers, and so many more natural wonders, it’s no surprise that outdoorsy folks in Oklahoma adore summer so much. Of course, some of these lakes and rivers in Oklahoma are a little more favorable than others in terms of favorites, and we’ve picked the top three best lakes and rivers to visit in Oklahoma during the summer.
Need To Know: Eagle Bluff Resort is not your grandmother’s resort; it’s a little more exciting than that. Choose from five different types of boat for on-the-water shenanigans, and plan to spend the night, either via camping or the cabins you can reserve. Make reservations well in advance, though – this place is popular and books up quickly.
Home to the famed longest river float trip in Oklahoma, Eagle Bluff Resort is an outdoorsy person’s dream come true. If you’re expecting a literal resort, you might be disappointed – though if you’re expecting an outdoor playground for all ages where you can swim, boat, camp, and fish with family and friends all summer long. It’s a step above your average campground – cozy, modern, and, of course, outdoorsy. The more people you bring to float with you the bigger the ticket discount, so bring all your friends!
Need To Know: This awesome reservoir is home to three miles of shoreline and 89 acres of shimmering, clean water. It’s secluded enough to be romantic but close enough to civilization to get to a store if you need to; this one’s a must for couples and small friend groups.
Quanah Parker Lake is located within the awesome Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge, and it’s easily one of the most beautiful lakes in the Sooner State. This beautiful body of water might be man-made, but you’d never guess that just from checking it out. It’s popular among the locals, but most folks from out-of-state don’t even know it exists, making it a nice, quiet getaway as needed. Boating, fishing, and camping are all much-beloved activities among visitors.
Need To Know: Located in southeastern Oklahoma, the Glover River is a short-but-sweet reminder of the beauty of the Sooner State’s great outdoors. This 33.2-mile stretch of river is a tributary of the Little River. Tubing here isn’t the best of ideas (especially when/if water levels are low); canoes and/or kayaks are your best bet if you want to get out on the water.
The beauty of the secluded and lesser-known Glover River can’t really be understated. Should you want to explore the whole thing, it begins nestled in the Kiamichi Mountains. From there, it meanders along Highway 259 until it banks east and flows right into the Little River. This lesser-known river in Oklahoma is a favorite among the lucky locals living nearby; as for other folks in the Sooner State, all too many have either never heard of the Glover River or they’ve simply n ever been. What better time, then, to visit than this summer? We think yes.
Parks To Visit In Oklahoma This Summer
There are more than 38 parks within Oklahoma’s amazing state parks system, and honestly, every last one is worth checking out. Best of all, our state parks are free to enter – all you need to pay is a daily parking fee and you’re golden. This helps our parks be more accessible to everyone in the Sooner State, and we’ve gone ahead and selected a few that you’re more than certain to adore.
Need To Know: Natural Falls State Park is located on the Oklahoma/Arkansas state line near the town of Colcord, OK, and your best bet is to visit during the week to avoid the occasional weekend crowd. Parts of the film Where The Red Fern Grows were shot here, which is why it might just look awfully familiar.
Natural Falls State Park is home to, perhaps obviously, Natural Falls, which is an impressively beautiful 77-foot-tall waterfall that brings gawkers and revelers from all corners of the state. It’s a favorite among those who prefer natural beauty over city attractions, and you could easily make an entire day trip out of it. Want to stay the night? Check out one of the five yurts up for reservation for the ultimate Oklahoma glamping experience.
Need To Know: Known to those who love it as LETRA, the Lake Elmer Thomas Recreation Area is a wonderful way to celebrate the dog days of summer. There’s more than just water here: be prepared for mini golf, archery, paintball, hiking, fishing, camping and SO much more. LETRA is an entire experience. Civilians are $10 per carload, while active duty and Department of Defense are $7 per carload.
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Lake Elmer Thomas Recreation Area can be found nestled at the base of beautiful Mount Scott, where the water is crisp and clear and the air is clean and fragrant. Camping is allowed year-round and LETRA is open to the public despite not technically being state-owned land. LETRA Beach is open from Memorial Day Weekend until Labor Day, so plan accordingly!
Need To Know: Oklahoma state parks do not charge an entry fee, though most do charge a parking fee, so be sure to keep an eye out for that. With 279 RV sites, 102 tent camping sites, and five cabins, this one makes for an amazing summertime escape.
Fort Cobb State Park is found bordering Fort Cobb Lake, which is 4,000 surface acres of amazing swimming, boating, fishing, and more. Stay cool on hot summer days by taking a spin on a canoe or kayak, or maybe head to the swimming areas to really get in and enjoy the chilly water. Don’t have any boating equipment? No worries – you can secure a rental at Fort Cobb Lake. There’s also a golf course within the park as well, so if you’re feeling up to 18 holes on a summer morning, it doesn’t get better than this!
Best Free Summer Activities
It’s commonly true that the best things in life are free, and this applies to summer fun, too! If you’re looking for affordable things to do in Oklahoma this summer, you’re in luck – these are better than simply affordable, they’re free! Get the kids, your significant other, or whomever – these free summer activities in Oklahoma are calling your name (and not your wallet).
Popularity: Somewhat popular; it’s certainly not the road trip it used to be in terms of numbers.
Need To Know: Route 66 is fun, but it can be tough to follow in some areas. Follow signage carefully, and be ready to merge onto the I-40 and off again multiple times throughout the journey. We strongly recommend an up-to-date map to guide you.
Route 66 destinations in Oklahoma are a very popular, old-school pastime, and the old Mother Road goes straight through the Sooner State, making it a great way to kill a whole weekend (or longer). Meandering for more than 400 miles, you’ll find old-school gas stations, diners, motels, and so much more along the way; the small towns you’ll find yourself passing through are part of the fun as well. Best of all, wandering Route 66 doesn’t cost anything except gas money, so hop in the car and let’s go!
Need To Know: This utterly incredible nature preserve is located near Sand Springs and is almost like traveling back in time. This land is incredibly delicate and must be cared for by everyone who enjoys it. Hit the Visitors Center first and learn all you can before heading out to explore the forest. The Preserve is open Thursdays through Sundays.
The Keystone Ancient Forest is utterly incredible for numerous reasons, but the biggest of those reasons is, perhaps, the incredible age of the trees who live here. One of the last legitimate old-growth forests in the US, this amazing nature preserve has trees estimated to be up to 500 years old. If trees could speak, we can’t even imagine the stories they’d have to tell us about five entire centuries of existence. Showing up and honoring the landscape is the least we can do... and it’s free!
Need To Know: Chickasaw National Recreation Area is named after the Chickasaw Nation, though it’s managed by the National Parks Service. It’s home to six campgrounds with more than 400 amazing campsites to enjoy; there are no entry fees, but camping and parking DO have some small fees, so be sure to check the official website while planning your trip for the most up-to-date rates.
The Chickasaw National Recreation Area is outrageously beautiful and often feels like something from a fantasy novel instead of, say, lil ol’ Oklahoma. With springs, streams and lakes, water lovers simply can’t go wrong; the Lake of the Arbuckles is perhaps the park’s biggest draw. It’s intensely scenic and the critters you’ll spot while you’re here are a delight as well. This area is also home to a “lost” park, Platt National Park, which existed for 70 years from 1906 until 1976 – come for the aquatic attractions, stay for the fascinating history!
Best Summer Events And Festivals In Oklahoma
What is summer without a festival or two (or ten)? Luckily for us, Oklahoma is home to a number of wonderful summer festivals that are sure to celebrate the best of the season. We’ve found a few awesome events and festivals in Oklahoma to attend in the summertime, and we think you’ll love them as much as we do. When it comes to seasonal activities in Oklahoma, attending festivals is one of the best ways to enjoy it all.
Need To Know: The Taste of Summer Ice Cream Festival is Oklahoma’s unofficial start to summer! With all the ice cream and ice cream snacks you can possibly devour in one day right at hand, it’s no mystery as to why this festival is one of Oklahoma’s most legendary.
This summer ice cream festival in Oklahoma is the epitome of a good, sweet time! Every year, Blue Bell Ice Cream partners with local establishments to put on this incredible event, with more than 100 gallons of ice cream ready to go. The flavors are varied, too, which makes it even more fun; why settle for plain chocolate when you can do triple chocolate instead? What about mango, or maybe chocolate chip cookie dough? Or, you know, how about all of ‘em? That’s what we’re here for, after all. Don’t get brain-freeze!
Need To Know: With more than 20,000 attendees per year, this watermelon festival in Oklahoma is a must-do for locals and visitors alike.
The Rush Springs Watermelon Festival might just be the crispest, most refreshing festival in Oklahoma that goes on at any point all year. Lovers of watermelon will find themselves immersed in a world celebrating this sweet summer melon, among other fun stuff like carnival rides, food and refreshments, and so much more. This festival has been going strong since 1948, and it’s an absolute summertime must.
Need To Know: The juicy and delicious Porter Peach Festival has been a thing for nearly six decades and is still going strong. With more than 10,000 people in attendance every year, it’s impossible not to love this one, and it shows. It’s free to attend and typically goes on for three days in July.
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If you’ve never heard of this wonderful peach festival in Oklahoma, we’re about to change your life. The Porter Peach Festival is about peaches, sure, but it’s also about the farms and agriculture that make Oklahoma such a special place. The schedule of events changes from year to year, and a new one is published a few weeks before the festival each time – so be sure to keep an eye on the official website for that information. Even if you don’t like peaches, this festival is a delicious delight.
So, there you have it: 15 amazing things to do in Oklahoma during the summer. Which one(s) of these amazing ideas will you do? What would you add to this list? Let us know in the comments. For more amazing ideas, check out our entire hub dedicated to Oklahoma summer activities.
Check out our epic road trip snack guide before your adventures to ensure you've got all the best road trip snacks.
