Summertime in Norman means the kids are out of school, the sun is shining, and plenty is going on around town that will keep your calendar full all season long.
The great news is that not only is there a lot going on, but a lot of it is either free or budget-friendly! Consider this your official guide to making it the best summer ever, without it costing you a pretty penny.
Free Summertime Exclusive Events
Throughout the summer, Norman hosts several annual events that are completely free to attend! Check out one (or all) of these events, and you might just create a new family tradition.
The Summer Breeze Concert Series, hosted by The Depot, brings national and local artists to Norman’s Lions Park and is completely free to attend! So grab your picnic basket and your blanket and get ready to enjoy some great music.
Fourth Fest, hosted by Norman Parks and Recreation, is a multi-day, totally FREE event celebrating America’s birthday! This year, the festival is taking place July 1 through 4 and will conclude with an epic (free!) fireworks show on the fourth at 9:45 p.m. Check out the full schedule here.
In the summertime, Norman Parks and Recreation also hosts a FREE Outdoor Movie Series at Lions Park. Catch Captain America - The First Avenger on July 2, and then plan to see Super Mario Bros on August 21! Both movies begin at 7 p.m.
Free Year-Round Events to Enjoy in the Summer
The 2nd Friday Norman Art Walk is hosted by the Norman Arts Council on the second Friday of each month, and is completely free to attend! Celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, its upcoming summertime dates are July 10 and August 14.
The Norman Farm Market is another free community event that is hosted at The Well. The market’s summertime hours are 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturdays and from 4 to 7 p.m. on Tuesdays from April through the end of July.
Summer Fun Indoors (For When Air Conditioning is a Must)
On especially hot Oklahoma days, sometimes an indoor activity is the perfect way to pass the time.
The Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art is located on the University of Oklahoma campus and is home to thousands of artifacts. Admission is always free for those 17 and under, and free for all visitors on the 2nd Friday of each month! On all other days, admission is $12 per visitor 18 or older.
The Moore-Lindsay Historical House Museum was built in 1899 and serves as a reminder of a bygone era. Take a stroll back in time at this historic museum. Admission is usually $5, but it’s free for all on the first Friday of each month!
The National Weather Center is where hundreds of scientists come together to better understand our world’s severe weather, right here in Norman! Get in on the action with a free tour of the facility, which can be scheduled through its website.
The Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History gives visitors a glimpse into Oklahoma’s millions of years of history. Admission is free for children aged three and under, OU students, active duty military and veterans, President’s Association Members, and OU Alumni Association Members. Admission rates for other visitors can be found on the museum’s website.
Enjoy the Great Outdoors - Right Here in Norman!
Looking to get outside this summer? Norman has plenty of great spots perfect for beating the heat or for having some family fun in the sun.
Free Parks:
Andrews Park has a splash pad perfect for the summertime. These spots are completely free to visit and offer a fun, safe environment to cool off during hot weather.
Another great local spot to check out is Ruby Grant Park. This park has disc golf, a large playground, and a dog park, making it the perfect place to hang out with the whole family!
George M. Sutton Wilderness Park offers an escape from city life and is the perfect place for hiking, bird watching, and fishing this summer!
Parks with an Admission Cost:
Westwood Family Aquatic Center features waterslides, a lazy river, lap lanes, and more, making it the place to beat the heat this summer! Day passes range in cost from $5-10 and full pricing details can be found on their website.
Lake Thunderbird State Park has 86 miles of shoreline to explore with no admission costs! Enjoy swim beaches, playgrounds, picnic areas, and more at Lake Thunderbird this summer.
Parking at Lake Thunderbird does cost $8 per day per vehicle for Oklahoma residents and $10 per day per vehicle for out-of-state visitors, so make sure to keep that in mind when planning your trip. You can purchase a parking pass ahead of time by visiting the park’s website.
While planning a trip to Lake Thunderbird, make sure to check out the new Clear Bay Trails that recently opened in the park. Enjoy hiking and biking on the more than 13 miles of trails before cooling off in the lake!
Check Out Norman’s Public Art
The City of Norman is home to several public art exhibits that are completely free to visit. From sculptures to steel structures, find pieces around town on trails, in city parks, and even in other spots you might not expect.
Click here for a complete guide to all of Norman’s public art. For a fun, free day out, see how many public art pieces you can visit around town in one day!
In Downtown Norman, make sure to check out the James Garner statue, a bronze statue created to honor Norman native James Garner, a legendary actor and U.S. Army Veteran.
The University of Oklahoma campus is also full of public art pieces. Take a walk through Heisman Park, located on the east side of Memorial Stadium, to view the bronze statues there to honor each of OU's Heisman Trophy winners.
Free, Fun Fitness for all Ages!
If you are looking to pick up a new hobby, try a new workout, or just find a community to connect with this summer, The Well has a variety of free classes and events for you to try.
Some of the classes offered include Zumba, yoga, cooking classes, and more. There are also several classes designed specifically for kids! Check out their full list of class offerings and book a class (or two!) for you or your family here.
Things to Remember:
When creating your perfect summer bucket list, remember that hours, availability, and other event details are subject to change, so it’s always a good idea to double-check online or on social media before visiting any of the places mentioned in this guide!
This guide will continue to be updated with the latest free or low-cost happenings around town, so make sure to check back and click here to see more of what Norman has to offer!
