15 Unforgettable Things You Must Add To Your Oklahoma Summer Bucket List

From 5K runs to outdoor dancing to kid's activities, Myriad Gardens has something for everyone this summer.

This popular swimming hole located near Salina is a fantastic destination for summer. The large, cold swimming hole features shallow water perfect for young kids. There is lots of wildlife that surrounds the swimming hole and young swimmers enjoy catching crawfish in the clear water. RV and tent camp sites are available at Blue Hole Park for those wishing to stay overnight.

Imagine a day spent whitewater rafting or kayaking down RiverSport Rapids in Oklahoma City. Opening May 2016, this state-of-the-art aquatic adventure facility will offer both of these activities to the public.

Take advantage of the Kids Bowl Free Program. Registered kids receive 2 FREE games of bowling every day all summer long. Select bowling centers and schools around the country are participating in this first ever Kids Bowl Free program. Check with your local bowling alley to see if they participate.

More than just a park, the City's Martin Park Nature Center provides visitors a place to explore and learn about nature and wildlife in a serene, suburban environment. Nestled on 144 acres in the city's northwest side, the park is home to many species of animals, and includes 2.5 miles of gentle hiking trails that curl through woods and grasslands of the park.

There are different ways to float the Illinois River, but the three most popular options are by canoe, kayak or inflatable raft. Some rafts can hold up to nine passengers and are a great choice for families. The river itself is rated as Class II, and is a gently-flowing waterway with a moderate current and few hazards, so it’s accessible to experts and novices alike. Trips of different lengths are available, so check with the local rafting companies for more information.

The mounds site, located seven miles outside of Spiro is the only prehistoric, Native American archaeological site in Oklahoma open to the public. The mounds are one of the most important Native American sites in the nation. Artifacts indicate an extensive trade network, a highly developed religious center, and a political system, which controlled the entire region. The protected site included 150 acres of land that encompass twelve mounds, the elite village area and part of the support city.

Segways are definitely the best mode of transportation to see the sights in Downtown and Bricktown. Segways are faster, less strenuous, and more enjoyable than walking, and maneuver more easily than cars or bicycles. Not only are they fun, they are easy to ride. Every rider is personally trained to see that they can operate the machine confidently and safely. Training only takes 3 to 5 minutes even if you have never been on before.

Many marinas around the state offer boat and wave runner rentals. Shown above is Lake Tenkiller.

The U.S. Army Artillery Museum tells the story of Artillery from 1775 to the present with over 70 guns and artillery pieces and numerous other artifacts from head gear and ammo to small arms and uniforms. The museum is open Tuesday through Saturday.

The 2016 dates are July 18-24, 2016. Events include something for everyone; bareback bronc riding, bull riding, wild horse races, team roping, wild cow milking, calf roping, pony express races, barrel races, pole bending, flag races, chuck wagon races and the queen contest. A dance is held each night after the performance where guests are apt to be entertained by several different local and national performers.

The Heartland Flyer connects Oklahoma City to Fort Worth, TX with daily connections. You can depart OKC at 8:25 am and be in Fort Worth by 12:23 p.m. Spend the night in Fort Worth and take the train back the next day at 5:25 p.m. You'll be back home in OKC by 9:23 p.m. Average ticket price is around $31.

The 63-acre park encompasses more than eight fully developed acres that includes off street parking; a one-acre pond with central arrowhead island; a walking trail winding through native grasses and wildflowers to the monument site, and a shaded memorial grove at a peaceful sitting area along the way. The Standing Bear Museum and Education Center features tribal displays, traveling exhibits, artwork, and other educational material.