Our roundup of cool Oklahoma destinations.
At no other time do travelers appreciate Oklahoma’s lakes, rivers and natural springs more than during a scorching summer. It’s easy to forget the temp when you’re zipping by on a jet ski, playing mini golf in the shade with a frozen treat in hand or sliding into the water from the top of your lake cruiser.
And when it comes time to retire to air conditioning, the exciting indoor destinations we’ve rounded up are just as cool and equally memorable. Check out our picks and let us know where you go to beat the heat in the comments!
River Bottom Campground and Tubing
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If you’re going to be out in the sun, it’s best to be floating on a lazy river with a group of friends. River Bottom Campground and Tubing offers you a four-mile trip down the Washita River to homebase, with the River Bottom Bar and campground sites for travelers who want to stay and tube all weekend. If you don’t feel like grilling, Smokin’ Joe’s Rib Ranch is just a few miles north!
Capitals Ice Cream
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Ice cream, beer, shakes and cold brew: Capitals Ice Cream has the perfect treat to ease the summer heat. Swirl together a unique combination as bold as you wish. Or try one of the meme-ably named monthly specials. Stop by Midtown to open the treasure trove of creative flavors.
Lake Murray Water Sports & Mini Golf
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When looking for shade on the open waters of Lake Murray, you’ll find Lake Murray Water Sports & Mini Golf, with mini golf under a canopy of trees, sno-cones, on-the-water activities and a wide array of rental options. There’s no better way to beat the heat than by having a blast soaking up the sun.
The Escape OKC
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Depending on which room you choose, you’ll likely find a few chills trying to solve your way through a mysterious puzzle at The Escape OKC. Assemble a group of your most riddle-savvy, clue-detecting friends for an hourlong thrilling challenge against the clock.
Rodeo Cinema
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Relax in an air-conditioned movie theatre as you enjoy the latest releases, curated independent films and beloved cult classics at Rodeo Cinema. Here you can enjoy everything from the new Elvis film to upcoming pictures, like Jordan Peele’s “Nope,” starring Daniel Kaluuya and Keke Palmer. You can now enjoy Rodeo Cinema’s rotating lineup of films at two OKC locations: the flagship location in Stockyards City and now inside The Paramount OKC building.
Red Earth
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If you haven’t yet, be sure to visit Red Earth’s new downtown location to see Native American artistry on full display. Kids who visit can follow along with the suggested activities available, and those interested in art classes and cultural events can join Red Earth’s educational programs offered throughout the year. The next one is the Ledger Drawing Art Class, learning the techniques and cultural history of this visual form of storytelling used by the Cheyenne, Arapaho, Kiowa and Lakota tribes in the 1850s.
Wherever you travel to this summer, be sure to bring along a good playlist! Here’s Our Quintessential Road Trip Jams.
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Where do you go to beat the heat?