Cities & Towns

Top Outdoor Activities in Oklahoma City

Get Outside in OKC as the Weather Warms Up

By Adam Knapp, About.com Guide

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Cabin fever can set in a little bit following the chilly Oklahoma City winters. So when the weather starts to warm, everyone wants to get outside. Here are some of the best outdoor activities in Oklahoma City, the top ways to experience the beautiful spring or summer weather in the OKC metro.

1. Go to the Chesapeake Boathouse and Get On the Oklahoma River

While Bricktown is fun and the Water Taxis on the canal are relaxing, the Chesapeake Boathouse offers a unique opportunity for outside recreation in Oklahoma City. Get all kinds of privileges with Boathouse membership, but even if you're not a member, you can rent a kayak, learn about rowing, get a bicycle for use on the scenic trails around the Oklahoma River and more.

Also consider... Oklahoma River Cruises offer public rides, private cruises and scheduled themed cruises along a 7-mile stretch of water.

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2. Take a Water Taxi Ride on the Bricktown Canal

Tickets to ride the Water Taxis are good all day, so take some time while in Bricktown to cruise the canal. Sit back, rest your feet and enjoy the sights of Oklahoma City's growing entertainment district. Those walking will give you a friendly wave as you listen to the fun bits of information from the Water Taxi Captain.

Also consider... Enjoy the streets of Bricktown as well with a comfortable ride in a horse-drawn carriage.

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3. See a Game at the Bricktown Ballpark

Green grass, flowers in bloom, beautiful sunny days... Yes, spring means all of that, but it also means baseball. Even if you're not a sports fan, the Bricktown Ballpark, one of the better minor-league venues around, is a wonderful place to sit back and enjoy a pleasant day outside. Nearly all the seating locations are good, so grab some concessions and settle in.

Also consider... The outfield berm area offers an opportunity for viewers to really spread out as they enjoy the game.

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4. Head Out to Lake Hefner

There are several lakes around the Oklahoma City area, of course, but Lake Hefner is arguably the best for outdoor recreational activities. The lake is popular spot for sailboats, and many enjoy races throughout the spring and summer. But the trails and surrounding area are perfect for bicyclists, joggers, kids, and those looking for a comfortable, outdoor picnic.

Also consider... The Lake Hefner Golf Course is one of the better public courses in Oklahoma City, and it's very reasonably priced.

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5. Try White Water Bay and Frontier City

Many residents remember going to longtime OKC amusement parks White Water Bay and Frontier City when they were kids. Well with new ownership, it's the perfect time to rediscover these metro favorites. Frontier City debuted a new suspended roller coaster in 2008 and has a wonderful summer concert series while White Water Bay is a great cure for the heat of the Oklahoma summer.

Also consider... Double Park Season Passes help with the cost and pay for themselves after about 3 trips, but if you're looking for a cheaper option, Oklahoma City has plenty of reasonably priced public swimming pools and spraygrounds.

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6. See a Performance by Shakespeare in the Park

As with many other aspects of Oklahoma City, the arts community is better than ever in the metro. The shows at the Civic Center Music Hall are only the beginning. When the weather gets nice, step outside for a wonderful theatrical experience. Oklahoma Shakespeare in the Park performs throughout the summer on the Myriad Gardens Water Stage.

Also consider... Speaking of college campuses, they can be excellent spots for other outdoor performance events and festivals in the summer. Check event calendars of colleges and universities in the metro.

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7. Attend a Concert at the Zoo Amphitheatre

The Chesapeake Energy Arena is not without its charms, but there's not another live music venue in Oklahoma City quite like the Zoo Amphitheatre. Concerts typically begin in May, and though you may not always be able to sit and relax on the grass as you'd like, it's still a fantastic atmosphere out under the stars.

Also consider... While the big names are at the Zoo Amphitheatre, you can still catch some good live music outside as part of the SoundBites in the Park series during from 11:30am to 1pm every Friday from April through June.

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8. Choose From Several Metro Festivals & Outdoor Events

It starts with the Oklahoma City Festival of the Arts in late April, and the festivals around the metro only increase from there. May brings arts festivals in both Edmond and Norman, and June has Riverfest. Review the current month's event calendar for all the options.

Also consider... The First Friday of every month brings outdoor fun to the historic Paseo Arts District in OKC. Check out the live galleries, enjoy live music and sample the wines.

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9. Visit the Oklahoma City Zoo

The Oklahoma City Zoo is a perfect outdoor getaway in the metro. See all the wonderful and unique exhibits such as the Oklahoma Trails, and simply enjoy the relaxing stroll through the grounds. There are great events throughout the spring and summer, paddleboats, a safari tram, restaurants where you can rest your feet and, of course, the enjoyable animal shows.

Also consider... If you've already been to the Zoo several times and want something a bit different, check out the Martin Park Nature Center on West Memorial. It's a wildlife sanctuary with a museum, hiking trails and more.

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10. Choose a Unique Outdoor Dining Location

There are literally hundreds of restaurants in Oklahoma City that offer some type of outdoor seating, so when the weather gets nice, ask to be seated outside. Even better, choose a unique location that offers a scenic dining experience. Options might include Zio's or Bourbon Street Cafe along the Bricktown canal, any of the restaurants on Lake Hefner's East Wharf, or spots like Bellini's at the Waterford Complex.

Also consider... While it doesn't offer the water scenes of the above options, a great place to dine outside is the Paseo Arts District.

Top OKC Restaurants for Outdoor Patio Dining