How to Plan a Summer Vacation in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

A summer vacation in Oklahoma City puts you in the heart of the United States. This city is steeped in tradition, from its museums to its parks and history. The summer weather of sun and heat allows for many fun activities.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Plan Your Trip to Oklahoma City

1. Determine how you will get to Oklahoma City. Airplane fares range from $190 to $315 round trip. Purchase early for the best fares. Oklahoma City’s central location may make driving an option. You can also take a Greyhound bus or Amtrak train.

2. Arrange for the care of your home while you are gone. Determine who will care for your pets and plants. Make arrangements for the post office to hold your mail or a neighbor to pick it up while you travel. Give someone your emergency numbers should a problem arise in your absence.

3. Pack according to your planned activities and the weather. Oklahoma City’s average summer temperatures range from the mid-70s to 80s in May to the mid-90s in August. Average lows range from the mid-40s to mid-60s. Pack for warm temperatures and comfort while walking. Most activities in Oklahoma City don’t require formal wear, so you may not want to waste suitcase space with it.

4. Plan to stay near as many of the attractions you want to see as possible. Hotel prices in Oklahoma City range from $50 to upwards of $100. Reserve your room early and keep receipts handy.

5. Determine the best way to get around the city for the activities you want to do. Oklahoma City's bus system charges $1.25. The trolley system costs only 25 cents to $1 per ride and sells one-day passes for $2 and three-day passes for $3. Many of the attractions are centrally located, which makes walking a great alternative to other modes of transport.

Choose Your Activities

6. Choose from a variety of activities in Oklahoma City. The city offers many museums, galleries, gardens and parks, along with theme parks and shopping centers.

7. Take a tour. Vendors in Oklahoma City sell a wide variety of tours, including the Oklahoma City Ghost Tours.

8. Treat your kids to White Water Bay (a water park), the Orr Family Farm, the Oklahoma City Zoo and the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum. You might also enjoy the Frontier City Theme Park for thrill rides and games.

9. Pursue your love of sports at the International Gymnastics Hall of Fame and the National Softball Hall of Fame and Museum. Visit the Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World and the OKC Rocks climbing center to participate yourself.

10. Honor the memory of the victims of the 1995 bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building. Many lives were lost, but the city rose from the ashes and created a beautiful monument at the Oklahoma City National Memorial and Museum. Outdoors, view individual markers for those who perished and a re-creation of the disaster inside the museum. Don't miss this piece of national history.

Tips & Warnings

• Bring cash for certain expenses, such as tips and fares, but use a credit or debit card or traveler’s checks for other purchases to protect yourself.
• If you travel with others, use cell phones in case your group gets separated. Have a designated meeting place at a certain time to avoid any confusion when enjoying individual time.